At the 158th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Easton and at recently held Gather-Listen-Connect events, the Standing Committee was asked about expenses incurred by the Diocese related to the Title IV complaints against Bishop Marray. Curiosity, coupled with misinformation and speculation, led to honest concern about diocesan funds used to pay for Title IV expenses.
In an effort to be fully transparent and to answer these questions as completely as possible, the Standing Committee and the diocesan Finance Department share the following information:
- The Episcopal Church (TEC) did not bill the Diocese of Easton for any expenses relative to the Title IV process, and nothing was paid to The Episcopal Church related to the Title IV complaints.
- The diocesan chancellor generously serves as a volunteer and was not paid for his work on the Title IV complaints.
- Bishop Marray was entitled to be represented by an attorney of his choosing in the Title IV process. His attorney billed the diocese, between September of 2024 and March of 2025, a total of $15,817.50. These legal fees were paid by the diocese.
- Other costs incurred were for travel to and lodging at a meeting in DE between Bishop Marray and complainants. Those costs totaled $720.45.
- Total cost to the diocese for the Title IV process was $16,537.95 (attorney fees plus travel and lodging costs).
As these expenses were approved through the usual approval process for diocesan expenses and were paid from appropriate budgeted line items, neither Diocesan Council nor the Standing Committee were notified of these expenses before or after they were incurred and paid. For those curious about where these expenses show up on the diocesan financials, they can be found in the following line items:
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- 641110 – Bishop’s professional expenses (a portion of the travel and lodging total of $720.45)
- 651009 – Staff travel (a portion of the travel and lodging total of $720.45)
- 660020 – Professional Fees (the entire attorney’s fees of $15,817.50, split between 2024 and 2025 financials)
Please contact the Rev. Dr. Darcy Williams, President of the Standing Committee, or Megan Timms, Diocesan Finance Administrator if you have additional questions about these costs.