The Grace Episcopal Church in College Hill, a hub for community support and worship, has had operations temporarily suspended by the Diocese of Southern Ohio in the wake of an alleged sexual assault involving juveniles on its premises not being immediately reported to diocesan officials, as reported by WLWT. Parishioners found the church doors barred, with notices declaring a pause in all activities, causing confusion and dismay among those who counted on the institution's resources, including free weekly dinners that had to move to the parking lot due to the closure.
According to a LOCAL12 report, Bishop Kristen Uffelman White suspended the congregation after the church leadership delayed reporting the assault between two minors, and Patrice Everett, a parishioner, expressed shock, claiming, "This is the first I’ve heard of the sexual assault."
The decision to close the church doors was labeled "abrupt" and indicative of a "reckless disregard" for the community by church leaders who insisted they had cooperated with the police investigation and provided information in a timely manner, Local 12 explained. The allegation was originally reported to police back in April, but it appears the church itself did not report the incident, the diocese learned of the situation from the police.
WLWT cited church volunteer Booker Alexzander expressing his hurt over the sudden closure, "This is a building of God and for them to do that, it's beyond disappointing. It's hurtful." Despite the closure, community support activities like food distribution have continued outside, even as colder weather looms and calls for better solutions increase.
