The court’s ruling, its first-ever acquittal, followed decisions to set aside two of three independent investigations and to admit additional evidence.
Wood has been canonically indicted on charges of violation of ordination vows, conduct giving just cause for scandal or offense, and sexual immorality.
Presiding Bishop Rowe brought the protracted conflict to a sudden halt by signing an accord with the former Florida bishop, who then unexpectedly resigned his orders.
“It has been six months since we have heard anything from [Samuel Johnson Howard],” said Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson, chairwoman of the hearing panel.
Cayce Ramey appealed the decision of a hearing panel that he should be deposed for his action, which he meant as an act of protest against racial injustice.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe: “Bishop Andrus will remain suspended from ministry until I am satisfied that he has demonstrated sufficient amendment of life to permit his return.”
In this second part of a two-part essay on the disciplining of Fr Ramey who declined to celebrate the Eucharist for three years, we explore the theology of the priesthood.
