RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island Public Radio
By ELISABETH HARRISON
The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania has removed Rev. Howard White from the priesthood, citing allegations of sexual abuse documented in a report about St. George’s School in Middletown. Since those allegations became public, accusations have been reported in other states where White also worked.
White served as an associate chaplain, dorm parent and in other roles at St. George’s from 1971 until 1974, when he was fired after admitting to sexual abuse.
Eric MacLeish, the attorney who represented some of the former St. George’s students, says the church’s action to remove White is long overdue.
“Rev. White was someone who preyed on young people in every setting where he went,” said MacLeish. “He preyed upon them at St. Paul’s, he preyed upon them at St. George’s, he preyed upon them in North Carolina, where we also represent two people who were the victims of Rev. White.”
A State Police investigation in Rhode Island failed to bring criminal charges against White and other St. George’s staff accused of abuse, but MacLeish says he continues to pursue criminal charges in other states. A group of former students reached a settlement with St. George’s over the allegations of abuse.
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