Anglican Watch attended the recent Cobb County, GA preliminary hearing involving the bogus criminal charges brought by Episcopal priest Ben Day against Art Blackburn. We identified multiple issues of what we believe is misconduct under the Title IV disciplinary canons and criminal activity in the form of perjury on Day’s part during the proceeding.
Because we are continuing to investigate and have forwarded additional specific concerns arising from the hearing to the Title IV intake officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, we will not identify specifics at this time.
We believe, however, that Day perjured himself with his testimony and have identified multiple witnesses who are prepared to impeach Day’s testimony. In addition, we are acquiring evidence that we believe will contradict many of Day’s claims, including his fabrications to the voting public about previously operating a political consulting firm.
For the record, no such firm existed.
Combine Day’s lies to Cobb County voters with his other misconduct, including his violation of the Cobb County domestic relations court order prohibiting him from consuming alcohol, as well as the allegations that he has previously engaged in child abuse, and we are deeply concerned about Day’s continued access to children.
Additionally, we believe the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta should suspend Day immediately. Shades of Heather Cook, anyone?
Under Georgia law (GA Code § 16-10-70 (2020)), perjury is a felony that can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and ten years in prison. Perjury also is a per se violation of Title IV, the clergy disciplinary canons.
If the court determines that Day committed perjury, Anglican Watch will urge the court to sentence Day to a full ten years’ imprisonment, with no possibility of parole or early release. Additionally, we are mindful of the fact that Day was caught in an adulterous encounter with his current wife prior to marriage and is, by his own statement, in violation of current Cobb County court orders.
The court set a date for a jury trial in three weeks.
Members of Christ Church or others who would like to provide information about Ben Day’s conduct are welcome to contact Anglican Watch using our online form. We will keep your identity confidential if you so request.
Meanwhile, per Day’s own admission in court, the Diocese of Atlanta has received more than 15 complaints about his conduct.
Finally, we urge parishioners to withhold financial support from Christ Church until Day is removed from ministry. There is no excuse for his conduct, and the fact it has dragged on for so long indicates corruption that extends directly to Bishop Robert Wright.
Good Reporting, BTW. Church Watchdog at its best.