wfn.org | BISHOP OF MAINE TAKES LEAVE OF ABSE

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April 21, 1996
Episcopal News Service
James Solheim, Director
(212) 922-5385
ens@ecunet.org

  
96-1440
BISHOP OF MAINE TAKES LEAVE OF ABSENCE AFTER
ADMITTING TO EXTRA-MARITAL RELATIONSHIP 

BY JAMES H. THRALL
      (ENS) Bishop Edward C. Chalfant of the Diocese of Maine will
take a voluntary year's leave of absence following the revelation that he
was involved in an intimate extra-marital relationship, diocesan officials
reported.
      The diocese's Standing Committee told a regularly scheduled
gathering of diocesan clergy on April 16 that, because of "a serious
breach of . . . ecclesiastical vows and marriage vows" that has caused
"grave damage to the bishop's relationship with the diocese," Chalfant
has agreed to take the leave of absence beginning immediately.
      In its statement, which also was mailed to all members of the
diocese, the Standing Committee said that it had requested the leave of
absence in order to support the "possibility of reconciling the bishop and
the Diocese of Maine after what must be characterized as a significant
betrayal of trust." 
      Because the other person involved in the affair has requested
anonymity, the diocesan statement identified her only as an unmarried,
adult laywoman who is not an employee of the diocese.
      The Standing Committee, three lay people and three members of
the clergy, serves as a chief advisory body to the bishop and as
ecclesiastical authority in the absence of a bishop.

SERIOUS VIOLATION OF TRUST
      In his own statement to the clergy, Chalfant said that he deeply
regretted his "betrayal of the trust placed in me by the church, the
diocese, and my family." By his "grievous errors in judgment and
behavior," he said, he has "caused great pain and heartbreak to my wife,
placed the church in embarrassment and risk, and involved another
human being in a painful situation." 
      In a letter to members of the diocese, Chalfant said, "My
behavior was a serious violation of your trust in me and I accept
responsibility for it. I am deeply sorry," he said. He praised Winkie, his
wife of 36 years, as a "grace-filled bearer of strength and hope," and
added, "We are finding our marriage deepened and more blessed,
although there has been enormous pain to us and to our grown children."
      Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, who met with Chalfant and
the Standing Committee as they decided on a course of action, called the
situation tragic. He said that he and the Standing Committee hope that
"over a period of time healing can take place in the diocese" and for
Chalfant. Being "truthful and honest is really key to that process,"
Browning stressed.

SEEKING SPIRITUAL HEALING
       "The church's constitution and canons are clear that a bishop
cannot be removed from office for disciplinary reasons unless he is
'presented' with charges and found guilty," said Bishop Harold Hopkins,
a member of the presiding bishop's staff who serves as director of the
Office of Pastoral Development. "At this time no formal presentment has
been made or is pending," he said.
      Hopkins also pointed out that the diocese has an obligation to
continue its financial support of the bishop while he and the diocese
continue their attempts at reconciliation.
       According to the Standing Committee's statement, Chalfant
agreed to relinquish all ecclesiastical authority during the year and will
pursue a program of therapy and activities devoted to spiritual and
emotional healing, with the advice of the presiding bishop's office. In
addition, the Standing Committee stated that it will "take steps to assure
that the bishop's actions and their impact on the diocese, will be fully
explored and reviewed, with opportunity for input by the entire diocese."
      When the year concludes, the Standing Committee and Chalfant,
in consultation with the diocese and the presiding bishop, will decide
whether Chalfant can resume his duties.
 
--JAMES H. THRALL IS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF NEWS AND
INFORMATION FOR THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.