(RNS) — Bishop Julian Dobbs, who was appointed last month to serve as acting archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America, was previously investigated — and reportedly cleared — of two instances of financial misconduct, both allegedly involving tens of thousands of dollars.
Dobbs is leading the troubled denomination as it faces a broader reckoning over bishop misconduct. He has denied the claims against him.
“I stand by the integrity of my ministry and am grateful for the independent reviews that have confirmed my conduct was beyond reproach,” Dobbs said in a statement to RNS. “With this clarity, I remain focused on leading our clergy and congregations forward in the mission Christ has given us.”
According to a report Tuesday (Dec. 30) from The Washington Post, Barnabas Aid, a global nonprofit aiding persecuted Christians, accused Dobbs and his wife of mismanaging over $28,000.
Dobbs held various leadership positions at Barnabas Aid USA, the national chapter, from 2006-2018. He and his wife, who worked at the nonprofit as an office manager, were investigated by the charity in 2018 regarding “unauthorized, unjustified or unexplained expenses, in some cases related to their phones, travel or meals,” according to the Post. The charity also accused the Dobbses of secretly running a similar nonprofit, Katartismos Global, from Barnabas Aid’s offices. That nonprofit, the charity …