In April, Rev. Chris Marchand, an Anglican priest from Peoria, Illinois, launched Wall of Silence, a podcast addressing abuse and cover-ups within the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). However, after just two months, Marchand’s bishop, Alberto Morales, requested he suspend the podcast. The podcast, which had gained between 500 and 1,000 listeners per episode, was abruptly halted. Marchand later announced the podcast’s return, though without official approval from his bishop.
Conflict with Church Leadership
Bishop Morales had informed Marchand that higher officials within the ACNA were calling for the podcast to be discontinued. However, Archbishop Foley Beach clarified in an email that neither he nor his office was involved in such a request. Morales, on the other hand, did not respond to inquiries on the matter.
Marchand resumed the podcast in July, citing his calling to continue advocating for abuse survivors. He expressed disagreement with Morales’ claim that the bishop held authority to command him to cease the podcast, especially given Marchand’s non-employment status with the church. Legal counsel also advised Marchand that a defamation lawsuit was unlikely.
The Role of the Podcast in Broader Church Reform
The controversy surrounding Wall of Silence comes at a time when ACNA is facing scrutiny for its handling of abuse allegations, particularly in the Upper Midwest Diocese. Marchand’s podcast highlights stories of abuse within this diocese, where Bishop Stewart Ruch is accused of sheltering individuals with predatory histories. As the podcast resumes, Marchand emphasizes fostering a culture of protection within the church.
“I think it’s important that we take time to consider not just can we change canon law, but how do we build a culture where we are keeping God’s people as safe as we can?” said Marchand. “It’s going to take time. The work is not done.”
Source:
‘Wall of Silence,’ A Podcast About Abuse in ACNA, Was Silenced. Now, It’s Back.
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