NEWS PROVIDED BY
Anglican Watch
June 22, 2026
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 22, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Watchdog group Anglican Watch today condemned Temple Beth Zion (TBZ), a Reform Movement synagogue in Buffalo, NY, for covering up allegations that a former staff member engaged in grooming conduct towards teenage girls in the congregation. In addition, TBZ continues to coverup allegations of sexual harassment directed at a former adult connected with the synagogue.
The allegations in question extend to:
-
- Asking girls for their cell phone numbers and social media contact information.
- One-on-one coffee dates between the staff member and the girls.
- Other boundary violations.
- Sexualized comments directed at an adult, even after that person asked that staff member to stop making these comments.
In addition, Anglican Watch has obtained a leaked copy of internal correspondence, in which synagogue leadership makes clear both that they were covering up these allegations and that they understand the associated reputational risks.
“When allegations of grooming behavior arise, it is incumbent upon leaders of all religious faiths to immediately prevent further harm. This includes immediately alerting law enforcement, child protective services, and parents to the allegations, and preventing the alleged offender from further contact with minors,” said Anglican Watch official Eric Bonetti.
“None of this happened. Even worse, the umbrella group for Reform rabbis, the Central Conference for American Rabbis (CCAR), has urged us to treat these allegations as ‘confidential,’ Bonetti continues.
“We will not be a party to this cover-up and demand that this matter immediately be referred to Child Protective Services and law enforcement. Additionally, we expect parents to have access to the information needed to keep their children safe.
A redacted copy of the leaked email is available here.
Anglican Watch is the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church. Founded in 2015, the organization addresses sexual and non-sexual abuse in the Episcopal Church and other faith communities.
SOURCE Anglican Watch
CONTACT: Eric Bonetti, 240-331-6977, eric@anglicanwatch.com