Episcopal Press and News

Former Virginia Priest Target of Investigation

Episcopal News Service. April 1, 1993 [93060J]

A fundraiser for the Trinity Episcopal School for the Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania, is the target of a $4 million lawsuit by a former parishioner for alleged sexual misconduct. In addition, the Rev. Byron Newell, a former assistant rector of the Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia, is the subject of an investigation in the Diocese of Virginia that could lead to an ecclesiastical trial. The former parishioner, identified in the lawsuit as "Jane Doe," has also named local church and diocesan officials in the lawsuit -- including Virginia Bishop Peter James Lee -- because of her claim that they participated in a coverup of Newell's alleged misconduct. Diocesan officials contend that they removed Newell from his pastoral role and required that he undergo extensive counseling when they initially learned of his conduct. Newell's current boss, Bishop William Frey of Trinity, said that Newell "has more than amply repaid our trust. His behavior has been above reproach."