Ousted Bishop back on the job in Pennsylvania

The Episcopal Church Court of Appeals reversed the decision of a lower church court, finding that Bishop Charles Bennison did not try to cover up his brother’s several-year liaison with a teenage girl in California.  The Bishop found out August 4 about the decision, and says he’s ready to return to his duties in the church as the Episcopal Bishop of Pennsylvania.

“I’m very gratified by the decision by the court,” he says. “I always thought the charges were without merit in terms of the severity of which the church attorney put them forth.  I’m relieved, I do plan to return to my position, I think I will return to my office on August 16th.”

Bennison says he’s been in prayerful reflection for three years since he was restricted from doing his job and will use what he’s learned to help him do his job better.  Bennison – based in Philadelphia – will oversee the 55,000 member Pennsylvania diocese.