On Saturday, a priest in Long Island was arrested and charged with
drug possession and child pornography possession. Christopher King was serving as priest-in-charge at St James of Jerusalem, Long Beach, NY.
Police allegedly found non-prescribed Xanax and methamphetamines in his house, and clips of child pornography on his computer.
King has been fired from his position by the diocese, and the Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island released the following statement Saturday morning:
This morning, I received notification that the Rev. Christopher King was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and drug possession.
Father King had been licensed as a priest in our diocese since 2001 and was currently serving as the priest-in-charge of St. James in Long Beach.
The diocese and the entire Episcopal Church have a zero tolerance policy with respect to criminal conduct of any kind including the allegations made against Father King.
As a result of these allegations, I have today terminated Father King’s license to function as an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Long Island.
We will also provide pastoral care and consult with the congregation and any others impacted by these charges.