News Follows His Suspension
By Karen Dandurant
Portsmouth Herald News
April 9, 2008
http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080409/NEWS/804090372/-1/NEWS01&sfad=1
YORK, Maine — New information about suspended The Rev. Richard Knight of the First Parish Church hints at a turbulent relationship between himself and a former parishioner.
York Police detective Tom Cryan confirmed that a 14-day protective order was taken out against Knight in January. He could not say who requested the order.
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| Richard B. Knight |
"There is no order in place right now," said Cryan.
Knight has been "reprimanded" for what church leaders are calling "a misuse of pastoral authority."
In a press release, Senior Deacon Jim Carter and Pastor Linda Hirst said the action involved a complaint made by a former member of the church with whom Knight had a personal relationship.
In an e-mail Monday, Knight said he was suspended for dating a parishioner.
Reached by phone, Carter said he had been told by the woman involved about the protective order.
"We had a meeting with her to give her opportunity to express whatever she wanted to," said Carter. "We made no judgments because this was not in our hands."
Carter said the review of the case was done by a committee of York County United Church of Christ.
"All our congregations belong to the York association," Carter said. "Their church and ministry committee conducted the review and they make a recommendation to the church. It was treated very confidentially and all we got was their report."
Asked if Knight's leave was paid or unpaid, Carter said he is drawing a salary.
"He has a month left of his regular sabbatical leave and that's paid," Carter said. "He also has vacation time."
Part of Knight's time on suspension will be spent receiving counseling at the Center for Career and Ministry Development in Dedham, Mass.
"It is an organization established to provide counseling and training for ministers," Carter said. He added that it is a sad and shocking time for the parish.
"Rich is a fine pastor and a wonderful human being," he said. "For him to be caught up in a situation like this we feel is unfair and undeserved. We are praying for everyone involved."
While there was a policy in place about dating parishioners, Carter said it was not well defined.
"The policy has evolved through this episode," Carter said.
"When he went to the conference minister and asked what the rules were, he was told a pastor can date only if the parishioner leaves the church and finds another. When it hit the fan, he was told he should not have dated a parishioner. It was a moving target because he was advised in a way that ended up hurting him."
There is full support for Knight returning to his position in the church, Carter said.
Contact: kdandurant@seacoastonline.com
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