Episcopal Diocese of Maryland was aware ...

ABC 2
December 30, 2014

http://www.abc2news.com/news/crime-checker/baltimore-city-crime/episcopal-diocese-of-maryland-was-aware-of-bishops-previous-dui-prior-to-fatal-hit-and-run

Episcopal Diocese of Maryland was aware of bishop's previous DUI prior to fatal hit-and-run

BALTIMORE - The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said it was fully aware that a bishop involved in a deadly hit-and-run of a bicyclist in Roland Park Saturday afternoon had been previously arrested for driving under the influence.

According to a statement from the Diocese, Heather Elizabeth Cook, Bishop Suffragan of Maryland, fully disclosed the 2010 DUI for which charges were filed resulting in probation before judgment. Following the disclosure, Cook was elected as bishop suffragan on May 2, 2014.  She is the first woman bishop in the diocese.  

“One of the core values of the Christian faith is forgiveness,” the statement read. “We cannot preach forgiveness without practicing forgiveness and offering people opportunity for redemption…After extensive discussion and discernment about the incident, and after further investigation, including extensive background check and psychological investigation, it was determined that this one mistake should not bar her for consideration as a leader.”

Baltimore police said Cook, 58, was driving a Subaru Saturday that struck and killed the bicyclist, 41-year-old Thomas Palermo.

In an email sent to the clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton told members that Cook "has been placed on administrative leave, effective immediately."

Sutton also said that Cook first drove off after striking Palermo's bike, but then returned to the scene approximately 20 minutes later "to take responsibility for her actions."

The Diocese added that they continue to pray and ask for prayers for both Palermo’s family and Cook.

“We, too are all filled with questions for which there are still no answers, and we are all filled with anger, bitterness, pain and tears. Our thoughts and prayers right now are with Mr. Palermo, his family and friends, and the bicycling community. And, we continue to pray for Bishop Cook in this time of her tremendous grief and sorrow.”

Baltimore City police have not said if Cook faces any charges.