Updated files: Information regarding a clergy disciplinary matter

A clergy disciplinary matter in ECCT is before a Hearing Panel. The clergy disciplinary process is set out in the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church. All dioceses are required to follow these processes.

Members of the Hearing Panel are the Rev. Joseph Shepley (President), The Rev. Louise Kalemkerian, and Mr. Thomas Smith. Pursuant to Canon IV.13.3 of the Canons of The Episcopal Church, the Hearing Panel is required to make “broadly known to members of the Church and Church media” all documents filed with or issued by the Hearing Panel. Recent documents include the following and are linked below:

Updated Wednesday, November 23, 2022

• Opinion of Hearing Panel (Disqualification)

Updated Friday, November 18, 2022

• Amended Notice of Scheduling for Motion to Dismiss et. al
• ECCT Opposition
• Respondent’s Reply to Church Attorney’s Opposition to Respondent’s Motion to Disqualify Hearing Panel Member Mr. Tom Smith or Alternatively for Mr. Smith to rescue himself

Updated Friday, November 11, 2022

• The Episcopal Church in CT Opposition to Respondent’s Motion to Disqualify Hearing Panel Member Tom Smith or Alternatively for Mr. Smith to Recuse Himself from this Title IV Matter

Updated Friday November 4, 2022

• Respondent’s Motion for the Hearing Panel to enter an Order Dismissing This Title IV Matter entirely based upon the irreparable harm caused to Respondent by the multiple Canonical Violations Committed at every single stage of the Title IV process making it impossible for Respondent to get a fair Hearing; or alternatively returning this Title IV Matter to the Intake stage to have a proper investigator appointed in Accordance with the Canons with new Panels and without interference by Bishop Ian Douglas and/or Robin Hammeal-Urban; If the foregoing is not granted then Respondent Seeks an Order to Compel Church Attorney to Produce the Required Mandatory Disclosures Pursuant to Canon IV.13.5a and for the Hearing Panel President to Sign and Enter the Revised Scheduling Plan and Discovery Order Submitted Jointly by Respondent’s Counsel and the Church Attorney on October 14, 2022
• Respondent Rev. Samuel Motion Exhibits 1-14 
• Respondent Rev. Samuel Motion Exhibits 15-28
• Respondent Rev. Samuel Motion Exhibits 29-41 REDACTED

Updated Friday, October 28, 2022

• Respondent’s Motion to Disqualify Hearing Panel Member Tom Smith or Alternatively, for Mr. Smith To Recuse Himself from this Title IV Matter

• Notice of Schedule for Hearing on Motion by the Respondent to Disqualify Hearing Panel Member

• Amended Notice of Schedule for Hearing on Motion by the Respondent to Compel Discovery and by Respondent and ECCT for an Extension of Discovery

Updated Thursday, October 6, 2022:

• Notice of Schedule for Hearing of Motion
• Opinion of Hearing Panel (Redacted)

Updated Wednesday, September 28, 2022:

• Zoom Credentials Information for Oral Argument

Updated Monday, September 19, 2022:

• Respondent’s Response to the Church Attorney’s Motion (Redacted)
• Respondent’s Supplemental Response to the Church Attorney’s Motion (Redacted)
• ECCT’s Response to Respondent’s Opposition (Redacted)

Originally posted August 22, 2022:

• Notice of Motion
• Scheduling Order (Redacted)
• Church Attorney’s Motion seeking Redaction (Redacted)

As this is a pending matter, additional documents will be made known to the Church as they are filed with or created by the Hearing Panel. 

Please pray for all those impacted by this matter.

Information on the Clergy Discipline Process can be found on the website of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut here and at TitleIV.org.