Allegations of abuse at a prominent New York City church have come to a close, bringing relief to those involved. A lawsuit against Saint Thomas Episcopal Church and its leaders was withdrawn after a third-party investigation found no grounds for the claims.
The Allegations
The lawsuit targeted Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, also known as Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, alongside the Episcopal Diocese of New York, a current staff member, and a former employee. It centered on accusations by a 31-year-old male who claimed he was sexually assaulted by associates of the church. Moreover, the suit asserted that church leaders mishandled the allegations of abuse.
In a recent statement, St. Thomas Church announced the complainant’s decision to withdraw the lawsuit. Signed by key figures like the Rev. Canon Carl Turner and wardens Lloyd Stanford and Gregory Zaffiro, the statement noted that the investigation did not support the claims of misconduct, casting doubt on their validity.
Reaction from the Church
“The plaintiff’s decision to withdraw his allegations and voluntarily discontinue this lawsuit ‘with prejudice’ means that these allegations cannot be brought again,” stated the church leadership. The church emphasized its commitment to community safety, remarking on the relief felt by those affected by the accusations.
Highlighting their dedication to safeguarding, the church stated, “We take any allegations of sexual misconduct very seriously and have taken steps to ensure that we have the highest regard for the safeguarding of our community.”
Criticism from Watchdog Groups
Despite the church’s declaration, Anglican Watch, a group monitoring abuse within The Episcopal Church, criticized the statement as “misleading and dishonest.” They claimed that while the parties involved did not offer the plaintiff a settlement, the church’s insurance provider, Church Pension Group, did settle the matter.
Anglican Watch further alleged that the church neglected essential procedures such as conducting background checks. They urged church members to seek transparency, stating, “You have a right to the truth about what’s going on in your church.”
Background on the Case
The lawsuit, which was filed in September, accused the Rev. Mark Schultz and his partner, Erich Erving, of sexual assault during events held at a church-owned apartment in Manhattan. Another claim involved a nurse named William Davis, who was accused of inappropriate conduct at the church. Following the lawsuit, Rev. Schultz was placed on administrative leave. The legal action also named Bishop Matthew Heyd of the Diocese of New York as a defendant.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
