Two men connected with St. Thomas Fifth Avenue were arrested over allegations of sexual abuse. So why did Bishop Heyd dismiss the related Title IV complaint? And why are the arrested men still working at the church and living at the choir school in proximity to children?

You can’t make this stuff up.

Two men, William Davis and Fr. Mark Schultz, have allegedly been arrested by New York police following allegations that they sexually abused an adult male individual connected with St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue.

Both are church employees.

The alleged victim also reported the matter via a Title IV clergy disciplinary care to the Episcopal Diocese of New York, which, in true church fashion, was promptly dismissed.

Subsequently, the victim has retained legal counsel and we expect will soon file a lawsuit against the Diocese and the parish. Predictably, instead of caring for those hurt by this situation, the Church Pension Group (CPG), which is the church’s captive insurance carrier, will throw money at the matter, litigating until the last possible moment, then settling for the smallest amount possible.

That is unconscionable, unethical, and un-Christian.

And there’s more to the story.

When the alleged victim first reported the situation in January, St. Thomas’, in an example of the Episcopal Church at its finest, barred the complainant from the St. Thomas property. To be clear: That is about as un-Christian as any behavior could be.

Meanwhile, Schultz’s husband, allegedly a former adult film star, purportedly lives with Schultz in the famous St. Thomas Choir School, where he is believed to spend his time drawing pornographic depictions of men engaging in self-gratification.

To be clear: What happens among consenting adults in the privacy of their home is none of our business.

But having an alleged pornographer living in the same building as a group of young choristers seems a remarkably bad idea by any measure.

More on Title IV

We’re also dismayed at the Diocese’s flat-footed response to the Title IV complaint.

Too often, judicatories view Title IV as a pain in the backside. But Title IV is a chance for the church to actually be the church and promote healing, justice, and reconciliation.

There’s also a less lofty reason for Title IV, which is to serve as a pressure valve that de-escalates issues before they get to court or reach the media.

But by implication, that also means that when a stupid bishop like Heyd tells the complainant to go pound sand, the rejection and lack of care can be even more troubling than the original offense.

There are likely more victims

Another aspect to this mess is that there are almost certainly more victims. Indeed, we have yet to encounter a one-and-done instance of abuse.

So, if there are other victims at St. Thomas’, we encourage them to contact NYPD Detective Caraballo at (212)694-3000 or via email at An*************@**pd.org. The case number is 2025-0222.

A copy of the crime victim notification form is provided below.

Victims are also welcome to contact us using our online contact form, and we will gladly forward information to Detective Caraballo.

And to be clear: Church attorneys would be foolish in the extreme to take this one to court. We are aware of other victims likely to come forward, and the fallout for the Diocese and St. Thomas’ likely will be devastating.

Time to hold St. Thomas accountable

Even if, arguendo, there is nothing to this situation, St. Thomas’ response and that of the Diocese of New York are unconscionable. Moreover, choristers MUST NOT be in the same residence as an alleged former porn star—or a priest facing criminal charges for sexual misconduct.

So, if your child is a member of the St. Thomas’ choir, now is the time to get them out of there. Immediately.

Nor should any person of good conscience fund an organization that retains employees accused of criminal sexual misconduct. So, if you have made a financial pledge to the parish, now is the time to cancel it. You can always reinstate your pledge when the parish begins acting with integrity.

Future media coverage

While we’re on the topic of accountability, we intend to hold St. Thomas and the Diocese of New York accountable every inch of the way. And we remind both entities that non-disclosure agreements are unethical and barred by canon unless made at the request of the victim and voidable by the victim.

In other words, don’t try it.

As to the Church Pension Group, there is nothing even remotely Christian about the organization, so spare us. And if you monkey with the plaintiff, we will shout your behavior from the rooftops. Same for efforts to discredit the plaintiff—try it, and we will make sure the news goes nationwide.

A message to the St. Thomas’ vestry was not immediately answered.

We will provide additional details as they emerge.

FInally, our standard disclaimer: Insert the word “alleged” in front of every sentence in this post. Both Schultz and Davis are presumed innocent as a matter of law. But we believe the victim and stand with him or her. And a word to the inevitable lawyers: Don’t bother. We’ll simply publish your cease-and-desist, send it to our fellow anti-abuse bloggers, and double-down on our efforts.

In other words, you’ll come out looking like a ass, and you’ll cause additional harm to your client.