Clergy misconduct investigations lead to sanctions for bishops in Argentina and England

Two separate investigations into clergy misconduct have resulted in sanctions or suspensions for high-ranking church officials in Argentina and England.

In Argentina, the Catholic Church has sanctioned auxiliary bishop Ricardo Seirutti of Córdoba following a canonical judicial process. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith ordered the investigation after two adults filed complaints regarding conduct described as ‘inappropriate for his episcopal ministry’. As a result, Seirutti has been stripped of his roles as auxiliary bishop and vicar general. He is prohibited from holding formal ecclesiastical offices or hearing confessions for five years, though he may continue to celebrate Mass and administer other sacraments.

In England, the Bishop of Salisbury, Stephen Lake, has been suspended by the Church of England as investigations proceed into two complaints. The allegations involve financial misconduct and concerns raised to the National Safeguarding Team regarding his behavior. While the complaints do not involve children, Lake has voluntarily stepped down from his diocesan duties, with the Bishop of Sherborne serving as interim bishop. Lake stated he is cooperating fully with the investigations under the Clergy Discipline Measure.