Presiding Bishop‘s Decision to Halt Disciplinary Cases Against Former Florida Bishop Draws Criticism
LIVE OAK, FL – A priest who filed a complaint against former Episcopal Diocese of Florida Bishop John Howard has publicly expressed disappointment with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s decision to discontinue disciplinary proceedings against Howard and former Diocese of Florida Canon to the Ordinary, Rev. Canon Kathryn Mary Gustafson. The cases,stemming from allegations of misconduct,were dismissed in October,a move the complainant argues deprived potential witnesses of a public forum to share their experiences.
The disciplinary process,governed by Title IV of the Episcopal Church’s canons,had been underway for several years. Initially, Presiding Bishop Curry had engaged in conversations with Howard regarding a potential resolution. However, in February 2025, the cases were scheduled to proceed to a hearing panel, escalating the process publicly.
In a letter to the Diocese of Florida on October 1, Presiding Bishop Curry explained his decision, citing the important financial and emotional toll the hearings would impose, and noting that any restrictions imposed by a panel would likely have limited practical effect given Howard’s retirement age. Howard had reached the church’s mandatory retirement age and was “unlikely ever to have sought or to have been granted leave to exercise active episcopal ministry again,” Curry stated.
The Rev. Canon Austin Rios, the priest who filed the original complaint, disagreed with the decision. “The loss takes my breath away,” Gustafson said, echoing Rios’ sentiment. “It would have helped us. It would have helped any future bishop of the Diocese of Florida. Light and air would have done us so much good.”
Presiding Bishop Curry,through a church spokesperson,has invited Rios and others affected to participate in a “time of public story sharing,” intended to provide a non-adversarial space for testimony.Details regarding the forum’s timing and location have not yet been announced.
The church spokesperson also stated that Presiding Bishop Curry has committed to providing “a substantial contribution” to the Diocese of Florida’s ongoing efforts to improve governance, financial accountability, clarity, and inclusion regarding human sexuality.
Camp Weed & Cerveny conference Center in Live Oak, Florida, served as a backdrop for the unfolding events.
