A BISHOP of the Episcopal Church in the United States has been suspended for three years for domestic abuse and alcoholism, in the first disciplinary case to be overseen by the new Presiding Bishop, Dr Sean Rowe.
The disciplinary accord reached between Dr Rowe and the former Bishop of Rochester, in western New York, the Rt Revd Prince Singh, requires Bishop Singh to take part in psychological work to address domestic abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, anger management, and “proper exercise of authority”, as well as a programme “addressing his relationship with alcohol”, according to a letter released by the Episcopal Church.
If he does not fulfil the requirements, he could be permanently removed from ordained ministry, at Dr Rowe’s discretion.
Bishop Singh continues to dispute the allegations against him, the letter released by the Presiding Bishop’s office says.
Bishop Singh resigned in 2023, a day after his ministry was restricted after allegations of domestic abuse and alcoholism were made by his sons and ex-wife.
He requested that a Title IV investigation be carried out into his own conduct after his two sons accused him of abusive behaviour towards them and their mother, and excessive drinking (News, 30 June 2023). His ministry was initially allowed to continue, but his sons increased pressure on the Church by posting documents and multimedia footage online.
A second allegation came from Episcopalians in the diocese of Rochester, and included complaints of vindictiveness and public shaming.
His former wife, Roja Suganthy-Singh, and his sons, told Episcopal News that the agreement reached on the suspension of Bishop Singh fell short of what was needed.
Mrs Suganthy-Singh said: “Reconciliation requires acknowledgment of harm, contrition, and accountability — none of which are possible if Singh denies the very allegations requiring reconciliation.”
One of his sons, Nivedhan Singh, called the accord a “tragic conclusion to what has been a deeply painful and retraumatising process for our family and other complainants.
“We grieve for the opportunity lost here — not just for our family, but for the Episcopal Church as a whole. This accord falls short of addressing the systemic failures that allowed Singh’s abuse to persist unchecked for decades. It is a Band-Aid on a wound that will only fester without meaningful reform.”
The accord requires Mr Singh to take part in reconciliation work with Episcopalians in the diocese, and his sons and ex-wife, if they agree to participate.
Mrs Suganthy-Singh and her sons had accused the former Presiding Bishop, the Most Revd Michael Curry, of responding inadequately to their allegations, and he recused himself from their case. Dr Rowe said that he would take over the case when he became Presiding Bishop, last month. He said that he would prioritise improvements in the handling of Title IV cases, and has worked with Bishop Nicholas Knisely, president of the Disciplinary Board for Bishops, to “bring matters currently pending against bishops to resolution”.
Dr Rowe’s letter announcing the accord with Bishop Singh says: “I will personally monitor his progress in fulfilling the terms of this accord and I will not lift the suspension unless and until he demonstrates his fitness for ministry and accountability and amendment of life related to the allegations in these complaints.”
After meeting all complainants, he said: “I pray that by committing time, energy, and other resources toward the possibility of healing and reconciliation, we can demonstrate to them and to the entire church our belief in a God of hope and healing. I also believe we have a responsibility to Bishop Singh’s new family, community, and colleagues to promote healthy behavior in the future.”
A statement released on behalf of Bishop Singh said: “Bishop Singh has voluntarily consented to the terms of the Accord and is fully committed to faithfully completing the work required of him. In particular, Bishop Singh deeply regrets the pain suffered by his sons and former spouse and is pledged to pursue reconciliation and healing with them.”
The statement says that, “with God’s help, Bishop Singh looks forward to returning to active ministry and continuing his service to God and The Episcopal Church at some future date.”