Episcopal Press and News

Presiding bishop restricts retired Olympia bishop's ordained ministry

Episcopal News Service. September 30, 2011 [093011-02]

ENS staff

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has restricted the ordained ministry of retired Episcopal Diocese of Olympia Bishop Vincent W. Warner while a "credible allegation of recurrent marital infidelity" is investigated.

Current Olympia Bishop Greg Rickel Sept. 30 announced the restriction on his immediate predecessor.

A diocesan press release said that Warner has been restricted from exercising his ministry as a bishop or priest while the presiding bishop's office investigates allegations passed to it by Rickel.

"I first heard the allegations several weeks ago, and promptly reported them to the presiding bishop's office, which is the procedure required by the canons of the Episcopal Church," Rickel said in the release. "On Monday [Sept. 26], I received word that Bishop Jefferts Schori had restricted Bishop Warner's ministry."

In a letter to the members of the diocese about Warner, Rickel said that Bishop for Pastoral Development F. Clayton Matthews, in his capacity as the Episcopal Church's intake officer for allegations regarding bishops of the church, reviewed the complaints with Jefferts Schori, and found that according to Title IV, Section 6.7 of the church's canons, the evidence presented, if true, constitutes an offense.

Rickel said that the diocese's role in the anticipated Title IV-based investigation process is limited to providing information requested by an investigator who is chosen by and works on behalf of the presiding bishop's office.

The current allegations involve neither minors nor any individuals who were in the bishop's pastoral care, he said.

Warner was bishop of the diocese from 1989 to 2007. He reportedly told the 2002 diocesan convention that he was divorcing his wife of nearly 40 years. He remarried shortly after the divorce was final.

"I urge clergy and lay leaders to reach out to those whom they believe might need support during this time," Rickel said. "I also urge you to say your prayers for all involved, for this diocese, and especially for Bishop Warner and his family."