The allegations of a sexual scandal in the Diocese of Long Island [TLC, Nov. 17] were addressed by the national Executive Council when it met Nov. 8-12 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 'Deplorable' Situation

In the latter part of an unusual meeting which included joint sessions with the council of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning brought up the matter for discussion with the 40-member council. Accompanied by his chancellor, David Beers, and Bishop Harold Hopkins of the Office of Pastoral Development, the Presiding Bishop spoke at length about recent developments in Long Island.

"The Diocese of Long Island has taken it upon themselves to deal with this in a very strong and creative manner," he said, referring to the fact that Long Island's diocesan convention voted to have an investigation. "I'm hopeful they will be about discovering the truth of these allegations."

Bishop Browning reminded council members that he does not have authority "to go in and intervene in any diocese."

He said he has been in frequent contact with the Rt. Rev. Orris Walker, Bishop of Long Island. "I spoke to him this morning," he said. "I think he's in pretty good spirits."

The Presiding Bishop said he has spoken to his council of advice in three conference telephone calls since Oct. 24, when he learned of the article in Penthouse magazine which reported the allegations of homosexual sex, cross dressing and other activities by priests and Brazilian men in Brooklyn churches.

Bishop Browning said that he would be sending a letter to all bishops and other leaders and read a draft version of it to council members.

"The allegations in a recent magazine article concerning events within the Diocese of Long Island, if true, are outrageous," the letter begins. "I along with persons of all faiths deplore sexual exploitations and abuse of any kind."

The letter mentions Bishop Browning's conversations with his council of advice and with Bishop Walker, and informs church leaders that an investigation will be held in Long Island.

"I would like to note that members of our church have expressed sorrow that the term of a former member of our staff, the Rev. Howard Williams, who has done much good work on our behalf, came to such an unfortunate conclusion when I asked for his resignation," the letter states. "Though his involvement was noted as tangential in the magazine article that included the allegations, Howard and I agreed that, given the circumstances, his ministry had been so compromised that it was impossible for him to continue in his position.

"I also deplore the fact that these allegations are being seized on by some to inflame and polarize the ongoing, already difficult discussion within our church about the responsible, proper and holy expression of sexuality," the letter continues. "The alleged actions in Long Island are clearly outside acceptable parameters, and should not be confused with our ongoing struggles about sexuality. Attempts to link the two bring negative attention to our church and pain to our gay and lesbian members. We must clearly differentiate between issues of sexual abuse and exploitation, and sexual orientation."

Later, in a press conference, Bishop Browning was asked about a letter signed by 36 bishops asking for investigations to take place.

"I think the main focus now is trying to deal with a situation which is deplorable and cannot be tolerated within the life of the church," he said. "I think whatever action needs to be taken will be taken."