Episcopal Priest who led Druids resigns.

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http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/counties/chester_county/10124748.htm

Posted on Mon, Nov. 08, 2004

Priest who led Druids resigns

By Tina Moore
Philadelphia Inquirer Staff Writer


An Episcopal priest who, with his wife, faced discipline from the church after the couple's leadership of local Druids became public has resigned from his Downingtown church.

A letter distributed to parishioners yesterday said the lay leadership at St. James' Episcopal Church had determined on Friday that recent events would make it difficult for the Rev. William Melnyk "to continue effectively as the Rector of the church."

"We're disappointed that it had to come to this," said Jeff Brodeur, spokesman for the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. "It's been an emotional situation for everyone."

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The couple's participation in modern Druidism - a New Age religion whose adherents worship the sun, nature and trees - became public after national Christian groups and Internet bloggers accused the Episcopal Church USA of promoting paganism through the priests' activities. The national church denied the accusation.

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