Episcopal Diocese of Pa. calls for an inquiry
Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr.'s handling of church finances is at issue. A panel wants him ousted.
By David O'Reilly
Inquirer Staff Writer

Citing a "total breakdown of trust," the standing committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania has asked the denomination's leadership to investigate Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr.'s handling of diocesan finances and remove him from office.

The committee's actions come as Bennison is still trying to quiet critics who have called for his resignation based on his handling of a sex-abuse case involving his brother more than 30 years ago.

The 10-member committee alleges that the bishop has "repeatedly usurped" its authority and "misappropriated" more than $10 million of diocesan assets to develop a summer camp in Maryland and pay diocesan operating expenses. the rest