[Episcopal News Service] Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced June 5 that he had reached an accord with former California Bishop Marc Andrus to resolve the disciplinary complaint against him, which alleged he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with another adult.
Under the accord, which was approved by the Disciplinary Board for Bishops, Andrus will remain suspended from ordained ministry until Rowe is “satisfied that he has demonstrated sufficient amendment of life to permit his return,” Rowe said in a letter to the church on the matter.
Andrus also will undergo professional psychological evaluation and engage in “counseling and spiritual work” related to the matter.
The Title IV canons outline disciplinary processes for all Episcopal clergy. Cases against bishops have drawn increased scrutiny across the church in recent years as some Episcopalians, including some bishops, have warned of a perception that bishops are not held to the same standards as other clergy.
Bishop Marc Andrus retired from leading the Diocese of California in July 2024. Photo: Diocese of California
The complaint against Andrus was revealed by church leaders in October 2024, the month before Rowe took office as The Episcopal Church’s denominational leader. The church, in announcing that Andrus’ ministry had been restricted, provided few details about the complaint or the complainant.
The restriction on Andrus’ ministry was imposed by the Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, former bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real. Gray-Reeves had been involved in reviewing several disciplinary cases against bishops as the designate of then-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Rowe’s predecessor.
Most steps in the Title IV disciplinary process remain confidential, though the presiding bishop or his designate has broad discretion under the canons to make some information public if it is deemed “pastorally appropriate” to do so. The canons also state that notices of accords shall be made public.
The presiding bishop’s letter said the complainant alleged Andrus engaged in inappropriate communication “over a series of years”; the claim was investigated by a professional with Title IV experience. The accord also provides for appropriate care for the pastoral and therapeutic needs of the complainant.
Andrus, one of The Episcopal Church’s most prominent voices on issues of the environment and climate change, led his San Francisco-based diocese for 18 years before retiring from the diocesan post in July 2024. His successor, the Rt. Rev. Austin Rios, was consecrated bishop coadjutor in May 2024 and succeeded Andrus two months later.
“In keeping with the canons, I consulted with the complainant during the process of creating the accord,” Rowe said in his letter. “In this matter, as in all Title IV matters, we are guided by the theological foundation of Canon 1 of Title IV, which calls us to healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life, and reconciliation. Please join me in praying for those gifts of the Spirit for everyone affected by this process.”
Rios also released a statement to the diocese. “I realize this matter remains painful for many in our diocesan community,” he said. “I will continue to be present with our clergy and congregations in the days ahead. Please join me in praying for healing for all those affected, and for our life together as people rooted in Christ’s mercy and mission.”
– David Paulsen is a senior reporter and editor for Episcopal News Service based in Wisconsin. He can be reached at dpaulsen@episcopalchurch.org.