GARDINER, Maine — The longtime rector of a historic Episcopal church in Gardiner has been suspended by the Diocese of Maine for two years following an investigation that found he engaged in sexual misconduct consisting of “inappropriate language and interpersonal boundary violations.”
The Rev. Jacob Fles has been at Christ Church in Gardiner for about 17 years.
A joint statement issued by Bishop Stephen Lane and Fles said the church’s inquiry did not uncover any evidence of criminal behavior. Fles declined further comment.
The Kennebec Journal reported that the congregation was told of the suspension on Sunday.
Fles had been on paid administrative leave since September while the diocese investigated allegations of sexual misconduct, financial impropriety and improper clergy conduct. The investigation did not find any evidence of financial misconduct.
Should we have any greater expectations for clergy, than we do for our elected officials?
Maybe yes, probably no.
Nicely crafted comment, a great example of less being more.
Yet another example of a cleric gone awry. Keep your men, women and children away from them. Cover your ears at Church. Nasty.
inappropriate Language, interpersonnel boundry violations. Is someone really that pruddish??? I bet if you go to wally world to shop all those would be violated…
These God haters will soon make it against the law for a Priest to dress like a Priest, it violates there hate for God.
The Diocese of Maine are god haters?
Sadly this is becoming commonplace, very disappointing.
Ummm, so what did he do to earn such a destructive headline?
It’s the Bangor Daily Kos – why not ?
Well, he committed the heinous act of “inappropriate language and interpersonal boundary violations”. That could mean he made a pass at someone his own age. Maybe it belongs in episcopal newsletters but I’m not sure it rates coverage here.
Its sure not unknown that ministers might minister to attractive female parishioners !
Must be a friend of REVEREND Bob’s.