Vero Beach minister suspended in sex scandal
February 3rd, 2009 by TCPalm.comVERO BEACH — Citing allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct, an Anglican bishop has suspended the lead minister of a year-old church that broke off from the national Episcopal Church, officials said Monday.
The Rev. Lorne Coyle, of Christ Church of Vero Beach, was suspended effective 2 p.m. Sunday because his bishop received an out-of-state woman’s allegations that she and Coyle, who is married, had an affair, said the church’s senior warden, Jim Reamy III.
The bishop, from Virginia, met with Coyle last week in Vero Beach to inform him of the accusation.
On Sunday, Coyle stood in front of the 400-member congregation and confirmed he had sexual relations with an adult women over a period of years, Reamy said. Coyle left the building before the recessional hymn.
“This is very overwhelming,” Reamy said.
Coyle was suspended by the Rev. John Guernsey, a bishop for priests and congregations in the United States that are affiliated with the Anglican Church of Uganda.
“An allegation of misconduct has been made against the Rev. Lorne Coyle, who has been suspended from all priestly and ministerial duties while an investigation is being carried out,” Guernsey said in a prepared statement. ” He declined further comment until the investigation is complete.
Coyle’s only public statement was his comment during the church services, church leaders said. He couldn’t be reached for comment Monday.
The long-time priest was formerly the head minister of Trinity Episcopal Church, Vero Beach. He was ordained in 1975.
Coyle led the establishment of the Christ Church in response to what he said was the national Episcopal Church’s straying from Biblical scripture.
Christ Church leaders met Monday night to start discussing what to do. They don’t yet know how long the suspension will last and what Guernsey will do.
“He (Coyle) exited,” Reamy said. “We didn’t kick him out.”
In Coyle’s place, one of the church’s other ministers, Robert Stull, will lead the church.
“We are going to build this church and focus on God and the Bible,” Reamy said. “Nothing will deter us from doing that.”
Minister’s suspension:
• The Rev. Lorne Coyle, of Christ Church on 14th Lane, was suspended by an Anglican bishop because of a woman’s allegation that she and Coyle had an affair.
• Coyle on Sunday told church members he had an affair with an out-of-state woman.
• Christ Church formed a year ago after Coyle and other members broke off from the national Episcopal Church.
• Coyle is suspended while an Anglican bishop, in Virginia, looks into the allegations.
• Coyle answers to the bishop, because he registered with the Anglican Church of Uganda. However, the local church has not yet affiliated with a national church.
• Local church leaders are trying to decide what to do.
Source: Tim Reamy II, senior warden of Christ Church.
Tags: Bible, Christ Church of Vero Beach, church, Lorne Coyle, sex
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February 3rd, 2009 at 2:35 pm
This bonehead baptized my daughter. I’m seriously considering a redo.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:36 pm
GOD HAS FORGIVEN HIM SO SHOULD WE.HE THAT’S WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.
February 3rd, 2009 at 6:46 pm
IT’S AMAZING HOW WE LOVE THE MAN OF GOD,WHEN HE’S PRAYING FOR US,BAPTIZING OUR CHILDREN,GIVING US INSTRUCTION HOW TO COME OUT OF SIN,AND LIVE RIGHT,BUT WHEN HE DO 1 THING WRONG,WE FORGET ABOUT ALL THE GOOD HE EVER DID.THERE’S NONE GOOD BUT 1. JESUS IS MR PERFECT.GOD BLESS YOU ALL,PLEASE REMEMBER WHEN YOU FALL YOU WILL NEED SOMEONE TO PICK YOU UP.
February 4th, 2009 at 12:15 am
This man is not a close friend of mine but Lorne Coyle has been a good steward for his congregation, and a strong leader. He has tried to do a lot of good. He is also guilty of being weak/stupid upon occasion like the rest of us. There was a former president who was a strong leader and has been highly praised who was also guilty of being stupid while holding an important position. I didn’t vote for him, but I have to credit him the good that he accomplished. Being human does not undo the good that has been done, but it should keep the rest of us from putting people on too high a pedestal. There are more that are in leadership positions that have strayed from “walking the line” and many ordinary average people also. They just haven’t been in the news or been responsible for anything so important that the straying would surprise us as much. “WWJD” “What Would Jesus Do?” Please keep this in mind, let it guide your heart, your mind, and your mouths.
February 6th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
First, (for brooks’ comments above) you can’t redo a baptism, sorry, but there is only one baptism. Having said this, know that it is fully valid in the eyes of God. the grace of the sacrament is not dependent upon the moral character of the Priest. If it were, many of us would be in trouble.
Second, I am very disappointed in Lorne. I agree one must forgive, but in positions of public trust, I am not certain we should forget. A minister of God is held to a higher standard. He should have known better, especially considering he has been so outspoken and critical of the Episcopal Church. His leadership will be a hinderance in this church even if all of the members forgive him. He should step down for the good of the church.
Third, Only by the grace of God go I…We are all sinners, I wish him the best in resolving his mistake, and hope that some good will come from it.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Being a parishioner of father Coyle, and a client of his wife, I certainly hope that everyone is praying for his wife and family. This deception of his, while it has wounded his parishioners, has destroyed them. Jane, Lindsey and Jordan need to be in our prayers as well. An affair is a vicious and selfish thing, and while we ought to forgive him, we should be praying his family comes through this whole.
February 13th, 2009 at 9:09 am
Jennifer you are exactly right!