Anglican Watch has repeatedly covered the allegations of child rape involving Episcopal priest Richard Losch, who is canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. We have received updated information on the case.
As we previously reported, subsequent to our initial reports, Massachusetts indicted Losch earlier this year. The criminal trial, however, has been postponed and is now scheduled for April 8, 2025, through April 10, 2025.
Meanwhile, we see no signs of the corruption in the Diocese of Alabama in this matter ending anytime soon. Specific issues comprise:
- The Diocese fabricated a claim to law enforcement that Losch was no longer in active ministry and had no contact with children. This was despite the fact that Losch served two parishes, lived near an elementary school, and had internet access. Plus, this lie conveniently overlooks the fact that the underlying allegations still involve criminal conduct on Losch’s part. As a reminder, making a false report to law enforcement is a felony in the requisite jurisdictions.
- The Diocese claims that it has investigated the matter. That is a lie, as inquiries with relevant law enforcement officials, backed by multiple FOIA requests, show no evidence of even a preliminary investigation. Moreover, having spent a huge amount of time investigating the case, Anglican Watch is the mother lode of resources, and the Diocese has neither contacted us nor responded to our multiple written inquiries. (While we cannot prove additional abuse, our investigation strongly suggests there were many additional victims.)
- The Diocese says it dismissed a prior Title IV complaint against Losch, yet, if true, the Diocese failed to notify the complainant, thus denying him any right to appeal the decision. Either way, this is an epic fail.
- Now, the Diocese says it’s continuing to investigate the case, even though that claim would be inconsistent with the previous claim that the Diocese dismissed the underlying Title IV complaint. And again, no one close to the matter has been contacted by the Diocese.
- The Diocese refuses to provide a pastoral response to the victim, which Title IV requires in all Title IV cases. An Episcopal priest allegedly rapes a boy, and the Diocese does nothing? How does that work? Something about the dignity of every human being.
- Bishop Glenda Curry (no relation to Michael) is personally guilty in this matter, as we have notified her directly, repeatedly, and in writing. Silence.
- Moreover, Curry continues to ignore allegations involving the Rev. Stephen McWhorter, which extend to accusations of sexual harassment, grooming, and now a third incident of misconduct. Yet this clown serves on the Commission on Ministry for the Diocese? (Former Virginia bishop Shannon Johnston covered up the initial incident, yet never has been held accountable for his corruption — although one professional organization did the right thing and declined his offer to serve as chaplain.)
- We see no signs that the Diocese of Alabama — or Massachusetts, for that matter — is doing anything to walk with the victim when the case goes to trial. (Anglican Watch plans to have someone at the trial, primarily to support the victim but also to report on the outcome.)
- We have made clear to the Diocese of Alabama that its handling of the Losch matter has caused profound harm to others. The response? Deafening silence.
- We hope that a Title IV complaint against Glenda Curry will soon be filed with the national church. Her corrupt indifference to the welfare of others makes Curry unsuited to serve as clergy, let alone as a bishop. Thus, we support her immediate resignation.
Anglican Watch will continue to provide updates on this mess.
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