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	Pastor's Suspension Puts Church Outreach Programs in Jeopardy By Keith Vass Victoria News September 19, 2007 http://www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=36&cat=23&id=1067095&more=0 Shelter for abused women will continue, food and shelter for homeless suspended As the congregation at Saint Saviour's Anglican church struggles to deal with the loss of its leader, Rev. Antonio Osorio, two outreach programs run from the Vic West church hang in limbo. The Anglican diocese of B.C. suspended Osorio pending investigation into allegations of a breach of diocese's sexual conduct policy. Osorio admitted to the allegation and resigned last Wednesday. While the church has not specified the nature of the complaint, a letter read to parishioners Sunday said the diocese's sexual conduct policy prohibits "any form of sexual contact with an adult by a professional person, cleric or anyone in a position of authority... whether or not there is consent from the individual." It continues saying "meaningful consent for sexual activity is not possible in a fiduciary relationship." Victoria Police confirmed Monday that a criminal investigation is underway, but would not release any details of the allegations. Following Osorio's resignation, three of the church's four wardens decided to step away from their duties, said Rev. David Opheim, interim priest-in-charge at Saint Saviour's. That's added to uncertainty on the future of two outreach programs run from the Henry Street church. Opheim said internal programs for parishioners will continue as the congregation heals from the allegations. But the Rainbow Kitchen, a free lunch program offered three times a week, and a night shelter for the homeless will be suspended. A shelter for immigrant women fleeing abusive relationships will continue. "Given the circumstances that have taken place within this parish, we need a little bit of time to step back and catch our breath and determine how best to proceed," Opheim said, adding he believes the congregation has the desire to restart the programs. He expressed confidence other agencies would be able to help fill the void. Opheim said lunch program clients he spoke with "seemed to be resourceful enough to know there were other places they could go." Rev. Al Tysick, director at the Our Place Society, said that would happen, though he called Osorio's departure "a great loss." "Streetlink will pick up a little more, and Salvation Army will pick up a little more, and Our Place will pick up a little more, those are the feeding places. "We're gearing up for the cold, wet weather strategy, the city leads us in that. And some of us will pick up the work that they were doing last year, we're not going to let people sleep in the cold outside, anyway." Contact: kvass@vicnews.com
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