Episcopal Church risks Heather Cook 2.0 situation

NEWARK, Del. — Remember the uproar when the drunken bishop suffragan of Maryland, Heather Cook, killed cyclist Tom Palermo in a DUI? Amidst allegations that there was plenty of prior evidence that Cook was an alcoholic, and that the church had ignored this evidence, the Episcopal Church vowed at every level to do better. But talk is cheap, and there’s a situation in the Diocese of Newark that looks alarmingly similar to the run-up to the Heather Cook debacle, even including efforts by the diocese to turn a blind eye to potential problems.

The allegations, which have not been substantiated, first appeared in the watchdog publication Anglican Watch and relate to the Rev. William Allport, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal in Englewood NJ.

• Alcoholism, as evinced by repeated instances of intoxication at work, including DUI in a church vehicle in the parking lot of a nearby business, as well as alcohol hidden in Allport’s office.
• Possible narcissistic personality disorder, as demonstrated by manipulative, self-aggrandizing behavior.
• Retaliation and dishonesty, in which Allport allegedly falsely told church officials that his daughter did not “feel safe” around a church employee, openly gay, who had complained about Allport’s behavior.
• Falsely telling parishioners after the complainant, referenced above, resigned in protest over the diocese’s refusal to address his good-faith complaint, that the complainant/church employee had resigned for financial reasons.
• Trying to discredit the church employee in question by falsely accusing him of soliciting restricted donations for the church music program.

“It is important to remember that these are allegations and have not been proven in a court of law,” says Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti. “But we contacted both the diocese and Allport directly, on multiple occasions, only to be met with silence. That in itself I find to be telling.

“We also know that Bishop Carlyle Hughes is personally aware of the allegations and has taken a pass, he added. “And the church’s vestry continues to make excuses.”

Anglican Watch also reports that it has received allegations that Allport embezzled from a previous church.

“We do not know for sure that Allport embezzled from his prior parish of St. Helena’s in Boerne TX,” Bonetti states. “But if he has, all involved need to be aware of this issue, and the parish needs to ensure that its internal controls are adequate under the circumstances.

“I can also state that we find the allegations to be convincing. I personally believe them to be true,” Bonetti added.

“The response of Bishop Carlyle Hughes is utterly inappropriate and demonstrates a profound disregard for those already allegedly hurt by Allport. If Allport indeed is an alcoholic, and someone is injured or killed due to his drinking, Anglican Watch is prepared to testify under oath that people at every level knew of the allegations. This includes the Church Pension Group, the church’s insurer, which has already settled at least one case related to Allport’s alleged alcoholism.

“It is shocking and appalling that, even now, the Episcopal Church refuses to address impaired clergy. If Bishop Hughes is not willing to do her job, she needs to immediately resign. We do not need, want, or deserve another Heather Cook debacle. And if it does happen, the blood of the victims is on the hands of Bishop Carlyle Hughes, the church vestry, and all who have tried to avoid dealing with this ugly issue, Bonetti concluded.

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Contact:
Eric Bonetti
Anglican Watch
(240) 630-3767
[email protected]

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