Title IV

Reporting and Addressing Clergy Misconduct

Theology of Title IV

By virtue of Baptism, all members of the church are called to holiness of life and accountability to one another. The church and each diocese shall support their members in their life in Christ and see to resolve conflicts by promoting healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life and reconciliation among all involved or affected. This Title applies to members of the clergy, who have by their vows at ordination accepted additional responsibilities for doctrine, discipline, worship and obedience (Canon IV.1 of The Episcopal Church).

About the Title IV Process

The Diocese of Southern Ohio is committed to preventing clergy misconduct, and to responding with justice and compassion when misconduct occurs. The diocese and The Episcopal Church recognize that responding to allegations of misconduct requires determination, sensitivity, and respect for all persons affected, including the person reporting an offense, the clergy member who is the subject of the report, their families and friends, the congregation(s) involved, and the whole diocese.   

Title IV of the Canons of The Episcopal Church governs the handling of clergy misconduct. Title IV lists the following as offenses when they are “material and substantial or of clear and weighty importance to the ministry of the Church”:

any act of sexual misconduct;
holding and teaching any doctrine contrary to that held by the Church;
any criminal act that reflects adversely on the member of the clergy’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a minister of the Church;
conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation;
habitual neglect of the exercise of the ministerial office without cause; and
any conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy.

Reporting Misconduct

Our diocese shares three Intake Officers with the Diocese of Ohio who are charged to confidentially receive complaints regarding clergy misconduct in both dioceses and to make a determination as to whether the information in a complaint might constitute an offense under Title IV.  Anyone can report information concerning an offense by a member of the clergy. You can make a report by phone, email, or letter. A report can be made anonymously if you choose.   

If you wish to give information regarding an offense of a member of the clergy in this diocese, contact one the Intake Officers listed below.

You will receive a response to your inquiry within 48 hours. The Intake Officer must write an intake report about your complaint, and must determine whether the information reported, if true, would constitute an offense. If so, the Intake Officer must follow the steps spelled out in Title IV to assure that the matter is addressed promptly and properly.   

The Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed retired in 2024 after serving 8 years as the rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, Ohio (Diocese of Ohio). Prior to that, she was the rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield, Ohio (Diocese of Southern Ohio) for 15 years and served St. James, Piqua; St. Paul’s, Greenville (both Southern Ohio); and St. Mark’s, Sidney (Ohio). She has served on the Standing Committee of both dioceses, including a term as president, on the Commission on Ministry in Southern Ohio, and was a deputy to General Convention from Southern Ohio in 2015. She and her husband Don live in Cincinnati and attend Calvary Episcopal Church in Clifton. They have two grown sons and four (incredibly adorable) grandchildren.

Phone: 216.774.0423, ext: 423
Confidential Email: intakeofficer3@dohio.org

Wilma Beaty is Michelman’s chief human resources officer, leading people engagement, organizational design, and culture development. She oversees the company’s global HR teams and ensures Michelman’s values are reflected in its operations. With 25+ years of experience in HR and legal leadership positions, she brings a unique blend of expertise to her role. As both HR leader and general counsel, Wilma’s background gives her a comprehensive perspective on organizational strategy. Her approach to HR has been shaped by her labor and employment law experience, empowering her to drive cultural and compliance initiatives that support business growth. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law and an active member of the New York and Georgia bar associations, Wilma is passionate about sustainability and community service. Based in Cincinnati, Wilma is actively engaged in charitable work focused on poverty alleviation and economic stability.

Phone: 216.774.0454, ext. 454
Confidential Email: intakeofficer2@dohio.org

Rick Sippola is the retired Chief Financial Officer of Precision Capital where he managed all of the financial and administrative operations of a multinational company with over 600 employees. Rick has previously served as Lake County Grand Jury Foreman, Senior Warden and Vestry Member at St Hubert’s Episcopal Church, and as Board Chairman and Treasurer of Andrews Osborne Academy. Rick is a graduate of Miami University and is a member of St. Hubert’s Episcopal Church in Kirtland Hills. Rick and his wife Cyndi have five adult children.

Phone: (216) 774-0417
Confidential Email: intakeofficer4@dohio.org