NEWS PROVIDED BY
Anglican Watch
March 9, 2026
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 9, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Anglican Watch, the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church, today called for a boycott of the Episcopal Church’s flagship, Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, after a prominent church member made a series of defamatory comments about the alleged victim of sexual assault at the parish.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms defamatory comments made on social media in which a well-known artist and Saint Thomas Church parishioner claimed, among other things, that the victim of multiple alleged sexual assaults at the parish is ‘dangerous,’ says Anglican Watch official Mark Lowen.
“Such rhetoric is abusive, defamatory, and entirely un-Christian. Those who come forward with allegations of abuse must be believed, treated with respect, and shown the utmost compassion,” Lowen continues. “Unfortunately, the comments from the church are entirely in keeping with the church’s prior fabrications about this situation.
“Moreover, comments from this individual about how ‘church confidence in accused staff is restored,’ conveniently overlook the fact that one individual was criminally charged. Further, the Church Pension Group, the Episcopal Church’s captive insurance carrier, paid out a six-figure settlement in this matter. This makes clear that, contrary to this individual’s fabrications, the church and its employees engaged in misconduct.
“In light of the fact that folks at Saint Thomas think their abusive comments are okay, Anglican Watch calls on persons of integrity to boycott Saint Thomas Church, Lowen concludes. “There is no legitimate reason to worship at, or support, a church where members think this sort of behavior is okay.”
Documentation of the defamatory comments is below, along with Anglican Watch’s request that the Episcopal Diocese of New York address the ongoing defamation. And to be clear: Bishop Matthew Heyd claims the right to bar laity from churches in the Diocese. Thus, it follows that he has the authority to address defamation by laity.
Founded in 2015, Anglican Watch is the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church. The organization addresses sexual and non-sexual abuse in the Episcopal Church and other faith communities.
SOURCE Anglican Watch
CONTACT: Mark Lowen, 240-331-6977, editor@anglicanwatch.com