The Rev. Roger Haenke is the subject of a Title IV proceeding by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, based on an allegation that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor. Photo: Wesbite of St. John’s, Chula Vista, California
[Episcopal News Service] The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego on Aug. 5 issued a statement saying it has begun a formal Title IV disciplinary proceeding against the Rev. Roger Haenke, rector of St. John’s in Chula Vista, California, after an Aug. 1 allegation on social media that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with a minor.
Proceedings under Title IV are the mechanism in The Episcopal Church for addressing allegations of clergy misconduct.
“We are taking this seriously,” the statement said, noting that the diocese has notified law enforcement and child protective services and is fully cooperating with authorities on the matter.
Haenke, who currently is on a previously scheduled medical leave, will remain on leave until further notice.
San Diego Bishop Susan Brown Snook said in the statement, “The safety of all members of our congregations and communities — especially children — is our highest priority.” She added, “As Christians, we are called to hold one another to account, and we are committed to reconciliation and healing if we fall short of our own ideals.”
A biography on the St. John’s website says that Haenke had been a Roman Catholic priest in North Dakota before he became an Episcopalian while living in Seattle, Washington. In 2008 he moved to San Diego, where he held nursing director positions at several local medical facilities and taught nursing at San Diego State University.
He was received as an Episcopal priest in 2017, and he served at St. John’s as priest-in-charge from 2020-2022 and as rector since 2023.
The Rev. Gwynn Lynch, the diocese’s canon to the ordinary, was present at St. John’s on Sunday, Aug. 3 to offer support and read a pastoral letter to the congregation. The letter said that the diocese had no reason at this time to believe anyone in the congregation had been harmed, “but we do not yet have all the information.”
Noting that the allegation against Haenke is “disturbing and can stir up difficult feelings and memories,” the letter offered contact information through the diocese for pastoral support.
The diocese’s statement also urged anyone with information about the matter to contact the local police, child protective services, diocesan intake officer the Rev. Willy Crespo or the diocesan office.