Bishop of Maine Takes Leave of Absence After Admitting to Extra-marital Relationship
Episcopal News Service. April 19, 1996 [96-1440]
(ENS) Bishop Edward C. Chalfant of the Diocese of Maine will take a voluntary year's leave of absence following the revelation that he was involved in an intimate extra-marital relationship, diocesan officials reported.
The diocese's Standing Committee told a regularly scheduled gathering of diocesan clergy on April 16 that, because of "a serious breach of. . . ecclesiastical vows and marriage vows" that has caused "grave damage to the bishop's relationship with the diocese," Chalfant has agreed to take the leave of absence beginning immediately.
In its statement, which also was mailed to all members of the diocese, the Standing Committee said that it had requested the leave of absence in order to support the "possibility of reconciling the bishop and the Diocese of Maine after what must be characterized as a significant betrayal of trust."
Because the other person involved in the affair has requested anonymity, the diocesan statement identified her only as an unmarried, adult laywoman who is not an employee of the diocese.
The Standing Committee, three lay people and three members of the clergy, serves as a chief advisory body to the bishop and as ecclesiastical authority in the absence of a bishop.
In his own statement to the clergy, Chalfant said that he deeply regretted his "betrayal of the trust placed in me by the church, the diocese, and my family." By his "grievous errors in judgment and behavior," he said, he has "caused great pain and heartbreak to my wife, placed the church in embarrassment and risk, and involved another human being in a painful situation."
In a letter to members of the diocese, Chalfant said, "My behavior was a serious violation of your trust in me and I accept responsibility for it. I am deeply sorry," he said. He praised Winkie, his wife of 36 years, as a "grace-filled bearer of strength and hope," and added, "We are finding our marriage deepened and more blessed, although there has been enormous pain to us and to our grown children."
Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, who met with Chalfant and the Standing Committee as they decided on a course of action, called the situation tragic. He said that he and the Standing Committee hope that "over a period of time healing can take place in the diocese" and for Chalfant. Being "truthful and honest is really key to that process," Browning stressed.
"The church's constitution and canons are clear that a bishop cannot be removed from office for disciplinary reasons unless he is 'presented' with charges and found guilty," said Bishop Harold Hopkins, a member of the presiding bishop's staff who serves as director of the Office of Pastoral Development. "At this time no formal presentment has been made or is pending," he said.
Hopkins also pointed out that the diocese has an obligation to continue its financial support of the bishop while he and the diocese continue their attempts at reconciliation.
According to the Standing Committee's statement, Chalfant agreed to relinquish all ecclesiastical authority during the year and will pursue a program of therapy and activities devoted to spiritual and emotional healing, with the advice of the presiding bishop's office. In addition, the Standing Committee stated that it will "take steps to assure that the bishop's actions and their impact on the diocese, will be fully explored and reviewed, with opportunity for input by the entire diocese."
When the year concludes, the Standing Committee and Chalfant, in consultation with the diocese and the presiding bishop, will decide whether Chalfant can resume his duties.