Bishop Accused of Deadly Hit-and-run Gave Recent Sermon Discussing Hypothetical Car Crash

Fox DC
January 2, 2015

http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/27745093/memorial-ride-vigil-for-md-bicyclist

There are more calls for Maryland's first female episcopal bishop to resign following a deadly hit-and-run in Baltimore.

Hundreds of people hit the streets in Baltimore Thursday to remember fellow cyclist Thomas Palermo.

The father of two was struck and killed by a car this past weekend while he rode in a bike lane.

Police say Bishop Heather Cook was behind the wheel of the car. They say she left the scene and then returned 20-minutes later.

So far no charges have been filed.

A Facebook page calling for her to resign and face charges has nearly 2000 likes.

Just months ago, cook talked about personal responsibility in a sermon, using a car crash as an example.

"If we routinely drive 55 in a 30 mile-an-hour zone, we won't be able to stop on a dime if driving conditions get dangerous or if an animal or, God forbid, a human being should step out in front of us,” Cook said in front of parishioners.

Cook is now on administrative leave

She pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Caroline County in 2010.