Bishop complaint goes to disciplinary panel

THE MISCONDUCT complaint filed against the Bishop of Los Angeles, the Rt Rev J Jon Bruno, pictured, by members of St James the Great Episcopal Church in Newport Beach has been handed back to the national Church’s disciplinary panel.

The move came after the parties were unable to reach an amicable resolution.

On 23 September a spokesman for the parish told The Church of England Newspaper: “We are sad, however, to report that we were unable to reach an accord in our presentment involving Bishop Bruno. ...

“At this point, TEC will either seek a conference or more likely, begin an investigation of Bishop Bruno based on the matters included in our presentment.”

The claims against the Bishop included charges of “conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation”, “conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy”, and “failing to abide by promises and vows made when ordained.”

These were filed by members of St James the Great in July, and the Presiding Bishop’s Office then convened a “Reference Panel”, which recommended on 10 August that the parties pursue “conciliation”.

The Presiding Bishop’s Office further asked all parties to refrain from actions that would jeopardize the conciliation process.

“[I]t is our desire that all parties will enter into this process in good faith,” the letter stated. However, in their press release, the congregation said Bishop Bruno declined to honour the request. “Despite being in the conciliation process, and counter to accepted protocol, Bishop Bruno and his lawyers continued to depose witnesses ...

“He is seeking depositions from the [Girl Scout] leader whose troop planted an herb garden to support our chefs, as well as a woman whose mother’s ashes are buried in the church’s rose garden where she is no longer able to visit.”