More Great Publicity for Episcopalians - Priest Busted for Solicitation

The Asheville (NC) Citizen-Times reports that a public park restroom sex-solicitation sting in Waynesville, NC yielded 7 arrests, including that of Episcopal priest Michael Royce Penland, director of youth ministry at St. Gregory's Church in Boca Raton, FL.  http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200770905108 .  Penland had formerly worked in North Carolina before being hired to go to Florida.  The specific charge is "solicitation for crimes against nature" although the actual citation does not specify what that charge means.  Penland claimed to have been back in NC to perform last rites for an aunt.  Trolling the local parks for cheap sex was just an added bonus for his trip, I suppose.  At least it wasn't an altar boy....

North Carolina statutes define "crimes against nature" as "sexual intercourse contrary to the order of nature," including all "acts of bestial character whereby degraded and perverted sexual desires are sought to be gratified." While this definition could be interpreted to apply to many sexual practices, the CAN law is now only (and rarely) used in cases involving oral sex and anal intercourse.   One interesting note - the North Carolina statute is traced to English laws which were passed during the reign of Henry VIII - nothing like a little irony, huh?

Bishop Frade of South Florida has acted quickly to suspend Penland and has begun the canonical investigation which should lead to a swift de-frocking.  As for the North Carolins criminal charges, Penland was not incarcerated, but was simply given a citation and photographed.  It is not clear when his court date may be, but the misdemeanor charge is not likely to involve much, if any jail time, but only a fine.  Maybe he'll seek legal advice from Larry Craig?  Or maybe not.

Comments

[Alice C. Linsley]

"One interesting note - the North Carolina statute is traced to English laws which were passed during the reign of Henry VIII - nothing like a little irony, huh?"

Yes. Another one of those interesting ironies of history.

I bought a signed copy of Lest Ye Be Judged today and can't wait to start reading it!

Also, I have a copy of Peter Miller's book on how to get published with his company. Email me your mailing address and I'll send it to you!