The Rev. David A. Galloway has resigned as rector of Holy Innocents’ Church in Atlanta and voluntarily submitted to godly judgment imposed on him by the Rt. Rev. J. Neil Alexander, Bishop of Atlanta, who held a question-and-answer session with members of the parish April 18.

In February, a routine parish audit uncovered “some legitimate expenses and others that were highly questionable,” according to Bishop Alexander who was interviewed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Parish leaders notified the diocese, and an outside accounting firm was contacted to do a more thorough investigation, Bishop Alexander said.

The results of the professional audit revealed more than $100,000 in improper charges from the rector’s discretionary account. The parish was kept informed of the investigation during weekly question-and-answer forums conducted after Sunday services by the wardens.

Bishop Alexander told the Journal-Constitution the diocese had pursued an “ecclesiastical remedy” and did not plan to turn the matter over to the district attorney. As far as the diocese was concerned the matter was closed, Bishop Alexander said. He refused further comment, citing a confidentiality agreement.

Holy Innocents' has a baptized membership of 2,500 and is home to Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, one of the largest private schools in Atlanta.

Fr. Galloway, 52, was rector of Christ Church, Tyler, Texas, for 11 years prior to accepting a call to Holy Innocents’ in 2001.

Steve Waring

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