The Rev. John Tampa, then serving as rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Southern Pines, NC, resigned in 2014 after being arrested in a public park. Police records indicate that a police officer observed Tampa engaging in a sexual act with another man.
The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, then serving as bishop of NC, subsequently met with members of the parish to discuss the news.
Tampa, a married father of three adult children, entered a plea and a prayer for judgment in the matter. Under North Carolina law, a prayer for judgment avoids a criminal record if approved and does not require a finding of guilt.
The court fined Tampa $200 and issued a warning to him.
Tampa, a 1998 graduate of VTS, previously served St David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, Pa and as rector of St. Peter’s Church in Great Valley, Pa.
As of 2023, Tampa does not appear in the online Episcopal clergy finder.
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