Episcopal Bishop Singh Suspended Amid Abuse Allegations and Accord

The Episcopal Church is grappling with the fallout from serious allegations against one of its bishops. Bishop Prince Singh, who was previously responsible for the dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan, is facing a suspension extended by three years following accusations of personal and professional misconduct.

These allegations include reports of abuse towards his family and misconduct in the workplace during his tenure at the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. In light of these claims, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced that an agreement, or “accord,” had been reached with Singh, which dictates the terms of his suspension and further actions he must take.

The terms of the accord, as detailed by Bishop Rowe in a statement, mandate that Singh will be suspended from ministry for at least three years. The suspension will only conclude when Bishop Rowe is satisfied with Singh’s readiness to return. Singh is also required to undergo thorough mental health assessments and participate in training focused on anger management, domestic abuse, and the appropriate exercise of authority.

Further actions outlined in the agreement include Singh’s participation in reconciliation efforts with those he has allegedly wronged, including his former wife and sons, should they agree to such a process. This is part of an effort to address the “reputational harm” within the Diocese of Rochester.

Despite disputing the allegations, Singh has agreed to this accord to avoid further distress and to seek resolution and healing for all parties involved. His counsel issued a statement expressing gratitude for the Presiding Bishop’s dedication to resolving these disputes.

However, Singh’s family voiced their dissatisfaction with the outcome. One of Singh’s sons described the settlement as a “tragic conclusion,” criticizing it for failing to address persistent systemic issues within the church. The family contends that the accord represents a temporary fix rather than a substantial reform.

Singh’s tenure as the bishop of the Rochester diocese spanned from 2008 to 2022, after which he assumed the role of bishop provisional for the Michigan dioceses. In early 2023, Singh’s family publicized the allegations of abuse, prompting an official Title IV investigation that restricted Singh’s ministerial duties from September 2023.

In the wake of these developments, the Standing Committees of Eastern and Western Michigan released a joint statement confirming Singh’s resignation as a mutual decision. Last December, Singh’s family also filed a formal complaint against prior church officials for mishandling their allegations.