Heresy-Trial Target Plans To Write Book

Sat., June 15, 1996

Associated Press

Bishop Walter Righter, almost tried as a heretic for ordaining a non-celibate homosexual, says he’s already made a book deal.

Righter, 72, was only the second man in the Episcopal church’s 206-year history to face the charge of heresy for ordaining the Rev. Barry Stopfel as a deacon in 1990 even though he knew Stopfel was involved in a long-term gay relationship. Stopfel since has become a priest and is rector of a church in Maplewood, N.J. The retired bishop returned home after a panel of Episcopal bishops, meeting in Delaware, refused to try him.

Righter said he sold the rights to his story to Knopf Publishing Group.

“It was really a test of optimism, a test of my faith,” said Righter. The church says it wants to be all-inclusive, Righter said, and this decision helps the organization uphold that belief.

“They can’t say, ‘Yes, we’ll be all-inclusive except for you, you and you,”’ said Righter. “This decision has set the church free. There is no deterrent now to ordaining gays and lesbians - no violation of doctrine or canon.”

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