that Bauman was “suspected of fondling and engaging in lewd conduct with several young boys” in his parishes, but that their parents did not want to press charges. Bauman listed himself in the Episcopal Clerical Directory as the author of manuals on visualization, deep relaxation, and psychology. In 2008, the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota hired Bauman to give spiritual retreats at its House of Prayer center in Collegeville, Minnesota. According to Episcopal Church Pastoral Development Officer Bishop F. Clayton Matthews, Bauman could function as a retreat director on the understanding that “Mr. Baumann’s contact (is) to adults only,” and that retreatants would be briefed on his conviction. He continued to lead retreats in Georgia, Texas, and Minnesota through at least 2014, including at the Episcopal Convent of St. Helena in Augusta in February 2012.
Lynn was hired by our priest to be in charge of Vacation Bible School at St. Francis in College Station. He was limited to teaching the adult portion only because he was a registered sex offender. This was in 2003 or 2004. The Priest, Andrew Doyle, went on to be the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese headquartered in Houston. As an adult survivor, I left that church and eventually the Episcopal Church. This happens in many venues but I felt ostracized over revealing Bauman’s police record.
I am so very sorry about your experience. Sadly, it is all too common.
– Editor
I’m so deeply sorry that you were beaten up for speaking the truth and trying to protect people. I went through that many years ago for supporting a victim of a priest who was a sexual predator and very nearly lost my faith. You are not alone in enduring this kind of pain.
Well said! It is tragic to think that people sometimes are right to conclude that “church ” is not a safe place.
Thank you for your courage. You are not alone. It is tragic that genuine empathy for survivors of childhood sexual abuse is low, but your dignity shines through in your account.