A two-year-long canonical disciplinary process in the Diocese of Massachusetts came to an end with a guilty verdict against the Rev. James R. Hiles, former rector of St. Paul's Church, Brockton, Mass.

The New England Provincial Court of Review upheld Massachusetts' Ecclesiastical Trial Court's 1997 decision against Mr. Hiles, who had been charged with immorality and conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy stemming from complaints of sexual exploitation of women with whom he had first established a pastoral relationship as priest and counselor. The diocesan court was operating under the Episcopal Church's disciplinary canons in Title IV.

The decision led to Mr. Hiles' deposition from the priesthood.

Mr. Hiles also was found guilty of charges of violating confidentiality by releasing details of the case to the public before the presentment against him had been issued, and of resorting to the secular courts for the purpose of delaying or hindering the church trial proceedings, both canonical violations.

On May 14, 1997, the Massachusetts court found Mr. Hiles guilty and recommended he be deposed. He then filed an appeal with the Provincial Court of Review, as was his right under the canons. The appeal was argued before the court of review Jan. 5, and, after lengthy deliberation, that court upheld the findings of the diocesan trial court.

The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, S.S.J.E., Bishop of Massachusetts, deposed Mr. Hiles March 25, and informed members of the Brockton congregation, where Mr. Hiles had been rector since 1975.

"The Church has long known that when shame, secrecy and lies replace fidelity, trust and truth in our relationship, we are disconnected from each other and from God," Bishop Shaw wrote. "The very gifts which enable inspired leadership, when misused, can tragically exploit those who are most vulnerable, abusing both the power and the privilege of the priesthood."

A formal complaint of Mr. Hiles' alleged sexual misconduct had been made to Bishop Shaw in 1995. Once the bishop determined the charge was credible, he temporarily suspended Mr. Hiles from his priestly functions and referred the matter to the standing committee of the diocese. In August 1996 the standing committee formally presented Mr. Hiles for trial before the ecclesiastical court of the diocese.