Anglican Watch - Unofficial Watchdog of the Episcopal Church

News
What on earth is going on at Calvary Chapel, South Dayton, and its school? We’re deeply concerned, especially after receiving allegations that church officials failed to report possible child sexual abuse
ByAnglican Watch July 25, 2026July 25, 2026
Long-time readers of this publication may recall that we’ve been concerned about Calvary Chapel, South Dayton, for a long time. Our concerns extend to the church’s school, “Branches & Vine Cottage School,” a non-chartered school that, with classes four days a week, supplements homeschooling. Recently, our concerns about the organization have grown exponentially, and we…
Read More What on earth is going on at Calvary Chapel, South Dayton, and its school? We’re deeply concerned, especially after receiving allegations that church officials failed to report possible child sexual abuse
Commentary
The problem with the Title IV clergy disciplinary canons isn’t what you think. Here’s our take.
ByAnglican Watch July 24, 2026July 24, 2026
Hello everyone. Today’s post is shorter than most. It’s Friday, the weather is nice, and it’s been a long week for folks in AW land. So, today, we’re going to explore a baseline (and hopefully simple) question: What is the root cause of the problems with Title IV? Before we go further, let’s be clear…
Read More The problem with the Title IV clergy disciplinary canons isn’t what you think. Here’s our take.
Press release
Press release: Church Watchdog Denounces Efforts by Trinity Episcopal Upperville to Cover-Up Allegations of Pedophilia Via Vague Claims of Security Threats
ByAnglican Watch July 23, 2026
Earlier today, Anglican Watch sent the following press release to Christian media outlets nationwide, as well as every media outlet in Virginia. The original is here. NEWS PROVIDED BY Anglican Watch July 23, 2026 ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 23, 2026 /Christian Newswire/ — Anglican Watch, the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church, today sharply condemned a recent letter from…
Read More Press release: Church Watchdog Denounces Efforts by Trinity Episcopal Upperville to Cover-Up Allegations of Pedophilia Via Vague Claims of Security Threats
Resources
Trinity Upperville tries to silence critics via vague threats of security issues
ByAnglican Watch July 23, 2026July 23, 2026
Just when things couldn’t get any worse for Trinity Upperville, its wardens, both of whom need to resign, are pulling the “loose lips sink ships” routine in an effort to silence criticism, having just sent a vaguely threatening cease-and-desist letter to the members of the congregation. The move is both remarkably stupid and evinces a…
Read More Trinity Upperville tries to silence critics via vague threats of security issues
Opinion
An open letter to Bishop Mark Stevenson and Trinity Upperville leadership
ByAnglican Watch July 23, 2026July 24, 2026
The following reader submission was lightly edited for mechanics I’m writing this open letter as a lifelong member of Trinity Upperville whose family has deep ties to the parish. My grandparents started attending the church roughly 60 years ago. They were buried from the church and rest nearby. My parents were married at the church,…
Read More An open letter to Bishop Mark Stevenson and Trinity Upperville leadership
Resources
Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti files motion opposing Episcopal priest Mark Anderson’s motion to seal divorce proceedings
ByAnglican Watch July 22, 2026July 25, 2026
One thing church abuse bloggers quickly learn is that any effort within a faith community to operate without scrutiny is never a good sign. And so it is in Episcopal priest Mark Anderson’s divorce litigation, where he has filed a motion to seal just about everything in the case. In response, Anglican Watch editor Eric…
Read More Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti files motion opposing Episcopal priest Mark Anderson’s motion to seal divorce proceedings
Resources
A South Carolina Community Fights Back Against Reckless Church Leaders
ByAnglican Watch July 22, 2026July 22, 2026
Reprinted with permission. Check out the discussion of fabrications and false denials by church officials. And please check out friend Christa Brown’s excellent Substack, “In Solidarity.” With a civil lawsuit and criminal charges against enablers, maybe some Southern Baptist leaders will finally learn a lesson. At Pawleys Island Community Church in South Carolina, church leaders…
Read More A South Carolina Community Fights Back Against Reckless Church Leaders
Resources
Episcopal priest Mark Anderson tries to convince the court that his inconsistent, disingenuous statements should be hidden from the public
ByAnglican Watch July 21, 2026July 21, 2026
Earlier today, Anglican Watch learned that Episcopal priest Mark Anderson has filed motions that, if granted, would keep his sneaky behavior out of the public eye. In other words, it’s sounding suspiciously like he’s trying to interfere with the Title IV clergy disciplinary case we’ve filed against him. To be clear, Anderson is, for purposes…
Read More Episcopal priest Mark Anderson tries to convince the court that his inconsistent, disingenuous statements should be hidden from the public
Resources
Anglican Watch inquiry reveals multiple violations of Title IV confidentiality by Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams. Yet the Diocese of Virginia is doing nothing about these disciplinary violations. Why?
ByAnglican Watch July 21, 2026July 21, 2026
As we continue to investigate allegations of grooming by Episcopal priest Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams, we have learned of multiple instances in which Adams violated canonically mandated confidentiality during the course of the Title IV grooming complaint filed against him. Moreover, the Diocese of Virginia has not taken any meaningful action against Adams over these…
Read More Anglican Watch inquiry reveals multiple violations of Title IV confidentiality by Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams. Yet the Diocese of Virginia is doing nothing about these disciplinary violations. Why?
Resources
Anglican Watch offers $10,000 reward for information and testimony leading to the arrest and conviction of Episcopal priest Jonathan Adams for child sexual abuse
ByAnglican Watch July 19, 2026July 21, 2026
It’s always great to know a variety of people. And that’s never more so the case than when dealing with the meltdown at Trinity Episcopal Upperville over allegations that outgoing rector Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams is a pedophile. Specifically, we hear from friends within the parish that the wardens are talking trash, saying that Adams…
Read More Anglican Watch offers $10,000 reward for information and testimony leading to the arrest and conviction of Episcopal priest Jonathan Adams for child sexual abuse
Resources
Battered person syndrome and issues of truth and boundaries—implications for dealing with abuse
ByAnglican Watch July 19, 2026July 21, 2026
In today’s post, we want to cover the correlation between abuse and the veracity of statements coming from victims of abuse. Specifically, in the context of abuse, it’s important to recognize that a victim’s allegations may be factually untrue, while still pointing out abuse. Before we go further, an important disclaimer: This post is not…
Read More Battered person syndrome and issues of truth and boundaries—implications for dealing with abuse
Resources
Letter to the editor: A mental health professional’s take on the Trinity Upperville situation
ByAnglican Watch July 18, 2026July 21, 2026
Hello friends at Anglican Watch. My name’s Mary, and I am a psychologist who specializes in helping child sexual abuse victims. My experience includes providing expert witness testimony in high-profile child sex abuse prosecutions nationwide, and I teach various courses on this topic at a major medical school. You also should know that I am…
Read More Letter to the editor: A mental health professional’s take on the Trinity Upperville situation
Resources
Update: Anglican Watch responds to diocesan letter about the resignation of alleged pedophile Jonathan Adams
ByAnglican Watch July 17, 2026July 21, 2026
Disclosure: Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti had no role in the production of this post due to a potential conflict of interest There is an excellent article on Fauquier Now about the meltdown at Trinity Upperville, which can be found here. We would like to respond to some of the comments made in the Diocese’s letter to…
Read More Update: Anglican Watch responds to diocesan letter about the resignation of alleged pedophile Jonathan Adams
News
Update: Anglican Watch takes further action against Episcopal priest Mark Anderson over his self-professed adultery, mortgage fraud, and possible tax fraud
ByAnglican Watch July 17, 2026July 21, 2026
Late today, Anglican Watch took four additional steps to hold Episcopal priest Mark Anderson accountable for his self-professed adultery and mortgage fraud, as well as his possible tax fraud and related issues. Anderson is the vicar of St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville. Specifics: We filed a formal Title IV complaint against Anderson. The filing closely…
Read More Update: Anglican Watch takes further action against Episcopal priest Mark Anderson over his self-professed adultery, mortgage fraud, and possible tax fraud
News
Episcopal priest Mark Anderson, vicar of St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, admits under oath to adultery and mortgage fraud. Or maybe it’s not mortgage fraud, and he’s simply proferring perjurious testimony in his divorce case.
ByAnglican Watch July 17, 2026July 22, 2026
One of the great things about being retired is having the time to ferret out misconduct in out-of-the-way places. And, since the weather is hot (and smoky) and folks here at AW don’t feel like going outside, we’ve had extra time on our hands, resulting in us discovering abusive and potentially criminal conduct by Episcopal…
Read More Episcopal priest Mark Anderson, vicar of St. John’s Cathedral in Jacksonville, admits under oath to adultery and mortgage fraud. Or maybe it’s not mortgage fraud, and he’s simply proferring perjurious testimony in his divorce case.
News
BREAKING: Anglican Watch receives reports that Episcopal priest Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams has resigned
ByAnglican Watch July 15, 2026July 21, 2026
A source close to the matter tells Anglican Watch that Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams, rector of Trinity Upperville and an alleged pedophile, has resigned as rector and will be leaving the area. We have not yet been able to confirm the reports but believe them to be accurate. Neither the Diocese of Virginia nor the…
Read More BREAKING: Anglican Watch receives reports that Episcopal priest Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams has resigned
Resources
Title IV hearing panel recommends that priest Cayce Ramey be deposed, underscores shambolic handling of clergy discipline in Diocese of Virginia
ByAnglican Watch July 14, 2026July 21, 2026
Disclosure: Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti did not participate in the production of this post due to being a previous member of the Diocese of Virginia. He also is the complainant in a Title IV case against Episcopal priest Bob Malm, presently canonically resident in the Diocese of Virginia. ### A Diocese of Virginia Title…
Read More Title IV hearing panel recommends that priest Cayce Ramey be deposed, underscores shambolic handling of clergy discipline in Diocese of Virginia
News | Resources
Pedophile alert: Anglican Watch issues urgent warning after multiple sources warn of possible pedophile/grooming activity at Trinity Episcopal, Upperville VA involving rector “Johnny Boy” Adams
ByAnglican Watch July 13, 2026July 21, 2026
Disclosure: Due to potential conflict of interest, Anglican Watch editor Eric Bonetti’s role in this post was limited to fact-checking. Anglican Watch is issuing an urgent warning about a possible pedophile at Trinity Episcopal Church, located in Upperville, Va. The warning follows reports from multiple sources, including a police investigative report, alleging grooming directed at…
Read More Pedophile alert: Anglican Watch issues urgent warning after multiple sources warn of possible pedophile/grooming activity at Trinity Episcopal, Upperville VA involving rector “Johnny Boy” Adams
News
Anglican Watch obtains copy of Johnny Boy Adams’ sabbatical letter, recording of diocesan attorney saying no investigation was conducted
ByAnglican Watch July 13, 2026July 21, 2026
Earlier today, my spouse and I drove out to Upperville for the afternoon, with stops in Middleburg and more. As a result, we enjoyed some wonderful Thai food, got photos of Trinity Upperville—and, we’re pleased to report, we now have both Johnny Boy’s letter about his sabbatical, and a recording of a phone call between the…
Read More Anglican Watch obtains copy of Johnny Boy Adams’ sabbatical letter, recording of diocesan attorney saying no investigation was conducted
News
We’re calling BS: parsing Episcopal priest Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams’ denials as he goes on sabbatical
ByAnglican Watch July 12, 2026July 21, 2026
Multiple sources within the parish of Trinity Upperville have told Anglican Watch that, in response to our recent coverage of allegations that he has engaged in grooming behavior, rector Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams has gone on sabbatical. In doing so, Johnny Boy has made various claims that he was cleared of wrongdoing by the Diocese…
Read More We’re calling BS: parsing Episcopal priest Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams’ denials as he goes on sabbatical
News
Update on Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams, rector and alleged pedophile at Trinity Episcopal, Upperville Virginia
ByAnglican Watch July 10, 2026July 21, 2026
We’ve gotten several questions about Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams, the rector of Trinity Upperville, who has allegedly engaged in grooming activity towards one or more boys who are not members of his parish. (“Johnny Boy” is Adams’ preferred moniker when interacting with boys. He just doesn’t like it when parents find out about his handle….
Read More Update on Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams, rector and alleged pedophile at Trinity Episcopal, Upperville Virginia
Analysis
Archbishop of Canterbury’s upcoming visit may inspire the Episcopal Church to address its clergy discipline problem. Or not.
ByAnglican Watch July 9, 2026July 21, 2026
Newly installed Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally has announced that she will visit the United States on September 25 and 26, 2026, during which she’ll visit the Episcopal dioceses of New York and Connecticut. Some believe her visit may encourage the US church to address its broken clergy disciplinary process, while others, including this publication,…
Read More Archbishop of Canterbury’s upcoming visit may inspire the Episcopal Church to address its clergy discipline problem. Or not.
Discussion
Reflections on adulterous Episcopal priest Daniel McClain’s Title IV appeal
ByAnglican Watch July 6, 2026July 21, 2026
Disclosure: Anglican Watch is the complainant in the McClain Title IV case. On June 23, 2026, the Episcopal Court of Review heard oral arguments in the appeal of Episcopal priest Dan McClain, who is canonically resident in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. Previously, a Title IV hearing panel recommended that the diocese defrock McClain over…
Read More Reflections on adulterous Episcopal priest Daniel McClain’s Title IV appeal
Resources
Is your priest a narcissist? Use this checklist to find out.
ByAnglican Watch July 3, 2026July 21, 2026
In recent posts, we’ve covered situations that appear to involve clergy with narcissistic personality disorder, including “Johnny Boy” Adams, Miriam Terlinchamp, and Martha Korienek. With that in mind, the following factors may help readers assess whether their deacon, priest, or bishop is a narcissist. Note that, because the majority of narcissists are men, we use…
Read More Is your priest a narcissist? Use this checklist to find out.
News
Update: The Rev. Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams grooming allegations
ByAnglican Watch July 2, 2026July 21, 2026
Based on some of the comments we’ve received, it appears several readers have rushed to Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams’ defense without reading the police report we obtained via FOIA. Adams is the rector of Trinity Episcopal in Upperville, and allegedly has engaged in grooming behavior towards boys. In light of this failure to read supporting…
Read More Update: The Rev. Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams grooming allegations
News
Four years after promises to change, ethics and other complaints filed against CCAR Ethics Chairs Loren Filson Lapidus and Ana Bonnheim raise alarming questions about treatment of complainants
ByAnglican Watch July 1, 2026July 21, 2026
More than four years after the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) promised to make its ethics process more trauma-informed and caring, there has been zero progress in making these promises a reality. In this post, we explore the documentation that supports this conclusion. History On January 1, 2024, several CCAR ethics complaints were filed…
Read More Four years after promises to change, ethics and other complaints filed against CCAR Ethics Chairs Loren Filson Lapidus and Ana Bonnheim raise alarming questions about treatment of complainants
News | Opinion
Adams allegations underscore the need for nationwide anti-grooming legislation, and a church policy of zero tolerance
ByAnglican Watch June 30, 2026July 21, 2026
Yesterday, we reported on the sordid allegations of grooming children involving the Rev. Jonathan “Johnny Boy” Adams, rector of Trinity Episcopal in Upperville, Va, and the Diocese of Virginia’s entirely inadequate response to these allegations. We have additional leads coming in about this situation, but wanted to take a moment to share two perspectives: 1….
Read More Adams allegations underscore the need for nationwide anti-grooming legislation, and a church policy of zero tolerance
News
Court of Review hears oral arguments in Dan McClain case
ByAnglican Watch June 26, 2026July 21, 2026
Disclosure: Anglican Watch was the complainant in the current McClain Title IV case. On June 23, 2026, the Episcopal Court of Review conducted a hearing in the Title IV case of adulterous Episcopal priest Dan McClain. As we have for the past several years, we’re calling BS on McClain and his arguments. The appeal centers…
Read More Court of Review hears oral arguments in Dan McClain case
Commentary
Common sense is proving not so common: Some knucklehead tried to sue fellow anti-abuse blogger Dee Parsons
ByAnglican Watch June 26, 2026July 21, 2026
In a day and age where people strive to outdo each other in terms of stupid behavior, we’ve hit a new low in terms of stupidity: Some dolt just tried to sue a long-time friend of Anglican Watch, Dee Parsons. Dee publishes our sister blog, The Wartburg Watch, which tends to cover abuse in more…
Read More Common sense is proving not so common: Some knucklehead tried to sue fellow anti-abuse blogger Dee Parsons
News
Former El Camino Real canon to the ordinary Martha Korienek tries to suppress criticism of her role in registered sex offender scandal
ByAnglican Watch June 25, 2026July 21, 2026
One thing church abuse bloggers, including those of us at Anglican Watch, quickly come to realize is that, the louder a clergyperson tosses around words like “libel” and “defamation,” the more likely it is that they, themselves, have ethics issues. And so it is with Episcopal priest Martha Korienek, the former canon to the ordinary…
Read More Former El Camino Real canon to the ordinary Martha Korienek tries to suppress criticism of her role in registered sex offender scandal