WHEATON (IL)
Episcopal Cafe [United States]
August 8, 2021
By John Chilton
Our leadership has become aware of information involving credible allegations of serious sexual misconduct and abuse of a female adult from former Greenhouse Movement staff member Joel Girard during his time serving on the Cornerstone Anglican Church staff. We understand that on 7/28/21 a police report was filed regarding this matter. – ACNA, Diocese of the Upper Midwest
Another former catechist in the Anglican Church in North America, Joel Girard, faces allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of a female victim. The allegations are in the same diocese where at least ten victims have made allegations against another former catechist. In that case, that diocese, the Diocese of the Upper Midwest, the bishop is on leave while allegations of mishandling of that case are investigated.
The latest allegation was announced here by the Diocese of the Upper Midwest. The victim asked the advocacy group, #ACNAtoo to repost that announcement on its website here.
In its announcement the Diocese of the Upper Midwest says Girard is a “former Greenhouse Movement staff member” and alleged misconduct and abuse occurred “during his time serving on the Cornerstone Anglican Church staff”.
There is so much need that it is simply inefficient to go through a lengthy process of church planting. Out of this urgency came the model of sending forth lay leaders (often called Catechists) to quickly and spontaneously respond to God’s call and further expand His church.
We were struck by this model. We found it beautiful in its simplicity and spontaneity. We believe it is a way we can address our own deeply felt desire to bring healing to the need we see among our communities.
Cornerstone Anglican Church no longer appears to have a functioning website. It has a Facebook page that links it to the Greenhouse Movement and to the Diocese of the Upper Midwest.
ACNA was formed over issues of sexual morality and biblical orthodoxy.