Priest's Appeal Fails Under New Canons
Episcopal News Service. May 8, 1998 [98-2157]
Nan Cobbey, Features Editor for Episcopal Life
(Episcopal Life) The Court of Review for Province 1 has upheld a diocesan court's finding of guilt against a Diocese of Massachusetts priest. The Rev. James R. Hiles was deposed by Bishop Thomas Shaw but his congregation has declared itself independent of the diocese. The case is the first under the new Title 4 disciplinary canons to have gone through the full appeals process.
Hiles is rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Brockton,. where he has served since 1975. Under church canons, a congregation may not unilaterally dissolve its relationship with its diocese.
Hiles was accused two years ago of immorality and conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. The charges stemmed from complaints of sexual exploitation of women with whom he had a pastoral relationship, some going back 20 years. His lawyer, S. Lester Ralph, said Hiles intends to appeal the decision to the Court of International Justice through the Organization of American States.
"The Episcopal Church is always passing resolutions in support of human rights, so we are going to bring this case before that tribunal," said Ralph, who is an Episcopal priest.
The diocesan court recommended last year that Hiles be deposed. Hiles filed an appeal with the church's Court of Review in Province 1, which has jurisdiction over the seven New England dioceses. The court issued its ruling March 20 and Bishop Thomas Shaw deposed Hiles five days later.
"It doesn't matter what the diocese says because we've basically decided to go our own way," St. Paul's warden James Hinds told the Boston Globe. "They should leave us alone and stop interfering in our affairs."
Many within the congregation have remained loyal to Hiles. St. Paul's has been in conflict with diocesan bishops and other leaders over sexuality issues and the ordination of women. In 1994, the congregation started withholding its annual assessment to the diocese. The parish has since aligned itself with the traditionalist Episcopal Synod of America. In October, retired Bishop Edward MacBumey, representing the ESA, visited the parish without Shaw's permission.
According to diocesan officials, St. Paul's does not have the legal right to sever ties with the diocese. "We are very committed to trying to re-establish the pastoral relationship," said the Rev. Canon Edward W. Rodman, canon missioner.
In his letter to St. Paul's, Shaw assured the congregation, "It is my fervent prayer that we begin the work of reconciliation immediately." He invited the wardens and vestry to a meeting in mid-April to talk about the future and about arranging for another priest. "We are hopeful they will come," said Rodman.