Retired Dallas Bishop and world-class scumbag George Sumner has a new role at Boston’s Church of the Advent. The parish now lists him as an honorary assistant, confirming that his association with the church has moved beyond occasional appearances.
The appointment raises serious questions about accountability, particularly given Sumner’s handling of sexual harassment and retaliation issues during his episcopacy.
A troubling endorsement
Sumner’s record on sexual harassment and retaliation is not something church leaders should simply overlook. Nor should retirement provide an opportunity to escape scrutiny and quietly resume ministry elsewhere.
Yet Massachusetts Bishop Julia Whitworth appeared alongside Sumner and Advent rector Alistair Macdonald-Radcliff during the May 2026 visit of Anglican Communion Secretary General Anthony Poggo.
That was profoundly inappropriate.
Whitworth’s public appearance alongside Sumner, in light of his record, raises serious questions about her judgment and her commitment to safeguarding. Bishops should be demonstrating accountability, not lending the appearance of institutional respectability to clergy whose handling of misconduct complaints warrants scrutiny.
A photograph does not establish that Whitworth endorsed Sumner’s appointment. But it does establish that she publicly appeared with him. And appearances matter, especially when the church repeatedly assures survivors that their concerns are taken seriously.
As Anglican Watch has previously reported, the handling and dismissal of complaints involving Sumner and allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation have already raised substantial questions about the Episcopal Church’s disciplinary process.
Advent owes the public answers
The parish has not publicly explained when Sumner became an honorary assistant, what duties he performs, or whether the appointment involves compensation.
Nor have we located a public explanation of what review, if any, preceded his appointment.
Anglican Watch believes Advent and the Diocese of Massachusetts should explain why Sumner was given a formal clergy role, what safeguards apply, and what consideration was given to his record.
The Episcopal Church cannot credibly claim to take sexual harassment and retaliation seriously while treating the consequences of mishandling such matters as something that disappears at retirement.
And Whitworth should know better.
Sources
- Church of the Advent — About Us — Official parish information and clergy listings identifying George Sumner as an honorary assistant.
- Anglican Communion News, May 2026 — Official account of Secretary General Anthony Poggo’s visit to Advent, including Sumner’s appearance alongside Bishop Julia Whitworth and parish leadership.
- Anglican Watch — Title IV complaints involving George Sumner — Previous reporting concerning allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, the handling of complaints involving Sumner and Rich Daly, and the disciplinary process overseen by Barbara Kempf.
- Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts — Official diocesan information concerning Bishop Julia Whitworth and diocesan leadership.
