Father John Blair Investigated for Possible Sexual Misconduct

KSDK
September 13, 2012

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/337989/3/Local-priest-investigated-for-possible-sexual-misconduct

[with video]

Father John Blair

A local priest is under investigation by the Episcopal Diocese for possible sexual misconduct.

The Rev. John Blair works as a chaplain and supervisor at Christian Hospital Northeast but he also describes himself online as an artist.

His hobby is erotic photography of nude male and female models, some of which have been shown at St. Louis art shows.

"Sexual misconduct as it's understood by the church has to do with a pastoral relationship between a clergy person and a priest and somebody that's in their pastoral care, which makes this particular investigation somewhat difficult because there's no indication that Father Blair had a pastoral relationship with any of the people that he photographed," said teh Rev. Daniel Smith, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Missouri.

The diocese expects to speak to Father Blair early next week as part of the investigation.

NewsChannel 5 contacted the Christian Hospital spokesperson for a comment but have not heard back.