Episcopal Court of Review Upholds Adultery Ruling Against Ohio Priest

The Episcopal Church’s Court of Review has unanimously upheld a ruling against the Rev. Daniel McClain, the former rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Oakwood, Ohio. The court confirmed that McClain’s admitted adultery during his divorce proceedings constitutes conduct unbecoming of a member of the clergy. In its decision, the court cited the Ten Commandments, the Book of Common Prayer, and ordination vows as the basis for maintaining that such actions violate the standards expected of church leaders.

While the court affirmed the primary finding of misconduct, it reversed decisions on other charges that it described as involving conflicting evidence. The court acknowledged a procedural error by the initial hearing panel for failing to hold a formal hearing for McClain. However, the judges concluded that this did not cause material prejudice, noting that McClain had repeatedly admitted to the facts in question and his counsel could not identify additional evidence that would have been presented at a hearing.

The case originated from a complaint filed by the nonprofit organization Anglican Watch. Following this decision, the matter has been returned to the Diocese of Southern Ohio for further action.