---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jaime Harrison <plafrtfhh@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, May 27, 2024 at 8:27 PM
Subject: Fwd: rumors
To: <cholman@episcopalatlanta.org>
Forwarding this to you because Rev Alicia is out of office.
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From:
Date:
Subject: Fwd: rumors
To: <aschusterweltner@episcopalatlanta.org>
Cc: <bishopwright@episcopalatlanta.org>, <safechurch@episcopalatlanta.org>
Dear Reverend Canon Alicia Schuster Weltner,
I am reaching out to you through this letter as I understand it falls within your responsibilities to receive and diligently address all complaints regarding clergy misconduct.
My purpose in writing is to bring to the attention of the archdiocese the issue of sexual misconduct involving Fr. Ben Day at Christ Episcopal Church in Kennesaw and the lies he continues to tell to cover it up. Additionally, I must highlight Father Lenworth Haughton's awareness of the said sexual misconduct, along with both their failures to promptly and accurately report it to the appropriate authorities. These actions are clear violations of Title IV Canons.
There are also allegations that Father Ben Day was caught mid-coitus with an eight-months pregnant Mallory Thagard Hamilton (a parishioner) by her then fiance, Art Blackburn (also a parishioner). While the specific details of that affair may not be verifiable, the evidence of Mallory and her fiancé's status as parishioners of the church is undeniable. Their membership alone constitutes a clear violation of Title IV.
I'm not one to engage in gossip. So naturally, upon hearing these troubling allegations, I promptly approached Fr. Ben to hear his side of the story (see below). Regrettably, he chose to lie about Mallory's membership in the CEC congregation, which is simply untrue. Mallory, her fiancé at the time, and her two children were all committed members of the church.
In the spring of 2022, Ms. Mallory Thagard Hamilton, accompanied by her fiancé, Art Blackburn, and her two young children, commenced attending CEC in Kennesaw, GA. This fact is substantiated by photographic evidence capturing their attendance. Furthermore, I provide documented verification in the form of the Parish Post email (see attachment) dated May 22, 2022, which illustrates Ms. Hamilton's reception into TEC by none other than Fr. Ben.
Additional evidence supporting these claims includes a photograph (see attachment) taken on August 21, 2022, depicting Mallory's son, Jeremiah, standing alongside Father Ben Day during a CEC ceremony. Furthermore, a second photograph (see attachment) dated August 7, 2022, captures curly-haired Mallory wearing a white T-shirt, visibly pregnant, standing beside her fiancé, Art Blackburn, while attending a service at CEC.
Indeed, the Episcopal Archdiocese of Atlanta was undoubtedly aware of these circumstances, given the conspicuous presence of four new members, including a visibly pregnant woman, at the church. Her memorable presence would not have gone unnoticed.
I am frustrated and concerned regarding your apparent failure to adhere to the established guidelines of Safechurch within TEC (The Episcopal Church) to prevent misconduct. It's distressing that despite prior knowledge of the situation, no apparent repercussions have been imposed on the priest for his sexual misconduct.
Such lapses in accountability can undermine trust within the community and should be addressed promptly and transparently to ensure the safety and well-being of all members. I am bringing these concerns to the attention of higher authorities within the church so that necessary steps can be taken toward seeking resolution and accountability.
I earnestly hope that this issue doesn't get brushed aside. If Fr. Ben finds himself in need of support as he navigates the path to recover from alcoholism and sex addiction, it's incumbent upon all of us to extend a helping hand. Let's stand together in solidarity, ready to offer whatever assistance and encouragement he, Mallory, the children involved, and Art Blackburn may require along the way.
Pax Christi,
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ben Day <ben@votebenday.com>
Date: Fri, May 24, 2024 at 7:39 PM
Wow! You seem fun….
None of what you claim are “rumors” are true. And I will not dignify your rather creepy interest in my marriage and family with any further attention. Good day!
On Fri, May 24, 2024 at 5:18 PM
Fr. Ben,
If someone accused me of misconduct, I would immediately refute the claim unless it were true. Have you had more time to consider my question? How did you meet your wife? Was she a member of your congregation when you started dating? When did you start dating?
Regards,
On Fri, May 17, 2024 at 5:52 PM rote: Fr. Ben,
There's an unpleasant rumor circulating about you. Would you mind clarifying something? Was your wife, Mallory, ever a member of Christ Church before you two began dating? The implication being that her prior affiliation suggests sexual misconduct on your part.
Regards,