Retired Anglican Priest Charged with Sex Offences

By Scott Dunn
Sun Times
February 1, 2012

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3457399

A retired Anglican priest who once served in the Kincardine area is facing sex-related charges from the 1980s, allegedly solely involving male victims, including a boy.

George Ferris, 64, of Cambridge retired as priest at St. James Anglican Church in Paris, Ont.

He faces two sets of charges, all related to events alleged to have taken place in Brant County, OPP Const. Larry Plummer said in an interview Wednesday.

Plummer said the police investigation is ongoing and it is “very possible” more charges will be laid.

Between 1976 and 1981, Ferris was the priest at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, at Kingarf in southern Bruce County, according to a 2002 Sun Times church column.

According to website information of St. James Anglican Church, of Paris, Ont., where he retired in Dec. 2010, he served parishes including Six Nations, Walkerton, Pinkerton and Kingarf and Paris.

Brant County OPP announced in December that Ferris was charged with sexual assault, gross indecency and sexual exploitation between 1983 and 1989.

Sexual exploitation is a charge created by amendments to the Criminal Code in 1988. It relates to the offence of an adult having any sexual contact with a boy or girl between the ages of 14 and 17 inclusive, where there is a relationship of trust or authority between the adult and child.

On Jan. 31, Brant County OPP announced Ferris also faces charges of sexual assault, gross indecency and indecent assault on a male related to events alleged to have taken place between 1981 and 1988.

Plummer said he couldn’t reveal the number of victims or their ages. He said if anyone has any related information to report, they should call their local police.

Ferris has also been the director of alumni and development and director of residences and chaplain at Renison University College, an affiliate of the University of Waterloo, the church website said.