Statement Regarding the Rev. Roger Haenke
The leadership of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego is aware of an allegation made on social media against the Rev. Roger Haenke, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Chula Vista. The post alleges sexual misconduct with a minor, and we are taking this seriously.
The diocese has notified law enforcement and child protective services and is cooperating fully with civil authorities. Additionally, a formal disciplinary proceeding under Title IV of The Episcopal Church’s Canons—the church’s process for addressing clergy misconduct—has been initiated.
Fr. Haenke is on a previously scheduled medical leave and will remain on leave until further notice.
“The safety of all members of our congregations and communities—especially children—is our highest priority,” said Bishop Susan Brown Snook, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. “As Christians, we are called to hold one another to account, and we are committed to reconciliation and healing if we fall short of our own ideals.”
The Rev. Canon Gwynn Lynch, Canon to the Ordinary, is a senior diocesan leader and was present at St. John’s on Sunday to read a pastoral letter to the congregation and offer support. That letter is available online here.
Anyone with information related to this matter is encouraged to contact the police, Child Protective Services, and the diocesan intake officer, the Rev. Willy Crespo, listed at https://edsd.org/safe-church-safe-communities/reporting-misconduct/ or call the diocesan office at 619-291-5947.
We ask for your prayers for everyone impacted by this situation.
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Even the slightest whiff of possible guilt gives all of us in the Episcopal Church community a bad name as such behavior, proved or not, puts us up for ridicule and damages us as ambassadors of the Gospel. While grocery shopping on Wednesday, I told a fellow parishioner about this mess (she hadn’t heard) and she said this news made her physically ill.
I was very saddened by this news as I remember when Fr. Roger was called and ordained to the Deaconate and then later priested. Through my membership in DOK, I have dear Sisters in Christ at St Johns and they know I am i prayer for them and their parish.
Prayers for all involved in this most serious matter.
Kathryn Bunch