VOLUME 1, NO 4 - September 9, 2008

EXTRA – EXTRA – EXTRA

BISHOP EXPONERATES RECTOR; FIRES FIVE VESTRY MEMBERS AND TRUSTED TREASURER

Wichita Falls, TX – Word was received Tuesday Sept. 9 that Bishop Jack Iker has exonerated the Rev. Kenneth W. MacKenzie, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, despite repeated claims of pastoral neglect, lying and blighted leadership. The bishop, however, directed the priest to return to regular pastoral counseling and psychotherapy under the bishop’s supervision.

Three weeks ago the rector filed against the vestry under canon 32 citing several erroneous charges. The vestry appeared, as ordered, before the bishop and Standing Committee on August 25.

Ordered off the vestry were SuzAnne Russell, EYC sponsor and lay reader; Larry Fieldsend, former Junior Warden; Dr. Millie Lancaster, former lay reader, lay Eucharistic visitor and ECW chair; Steve Richie, a 50+ year member of All Saints; and Laurie Cruse, who “has done every volunteer job at the church – except junior warden - at least twice.”

J.R. Johnson had been treasurer for All Saints for 36 years. He also mowed the 6-acre lawn, fixed all mechanical equipment and saved the parish untold thousands of dollars in building repair and maintenance. He has been unanimously elected treasurer year after year at the Parish’s annual meeting.

Four of the five dismissed vestry members had taken leadership roles in North Texans Remain Episcopal. The bishop reduced the size of the vestry by one-half.