Press release: Church Watchdog Denounces Efforts by Trinity Episcopal Upperville to Cover-Up Allegations of Pedophilia Via Vague Claims of Security Threats

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 the wardens at Trinity Episcopal, Upperville. The letter tries to shutdown criticism of the church and its handling of an alleged pedophile at the church by claiming it is facing unspecified security threats, even as it urges church members not to talk to the media.

“Church officials apparently are trying to play the victim card, even as they cannot point to any specific security threat,” said Anglican Watch official Eric Bonetti. “They also fail to understand that the fastest way to get information to a reporter is to tell people they cannot talk to reporters.

“Moreover, having a healthy church requires transparency, accountability, and integrity. We are seeing none of these things coming from the parish,” Bonetti added.

“We condemn the church’s dismal handling of these issues and its ongoing cover-up of allegations of pedophilia at the church. That said, we invite the wardens to provide any evidence supporting their claims of security threats.

“This disingenuous and silly letter also underscores the importance of the Diocese of Virginia providing adult supervision to parish officials. Things are bad at the church, and rapidly getting worse, thanks to the wardens and their flat-footed handling of these issues.

“Meanwhile, we invite anyone with tips or other information about this situation to contact us directly at any time. We will absolutely protect you as a source,” Bonetti concluded.

A copy of the wardens’ letter follows:

SOURCE Anglican Watch

CONTACT:  Eric Bonetti, 240-331-6977, er**@***********ch.com