In a rare move for the religious community, the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan has placed the rector of a prominent church on temporary leave after he was accused of plagiarizing material for sermons and newsletters.
The Rev. Edward Mullins is prohibited from working or worshiping at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills for 90 days -- which began Feb. 1 -- while the diocese investigates the plagiarism accusations and other allegations, according to diocese records.
The diocese's action, referred to by the church as an inhibition, has fractured tenuous relationships among Christ Church Cranbrook's leaders and members, and has thrust the church into a national debate over the ethical boundaries of sermon-borrowing.