It Probably Wasn't About Headhunting

A Lutheran bishop in Papua New Guinea has been removed, not only from his office but from the communion of the church, for "more than 100 allegations of misconduct, misappropriation, and poor leadership," including "failure to live up to church doctrines."

The story, linked above, gives few details.  David Piso spent 29 years as bishop of Enga Province.  As of today, however, he "is no longer a Christian member of the Lutheran church and he therefore automatically loses the office of bishop that he was elected to hold,"   according to an official spokesman.

This is remarkable stuff.  Voted out of office is one thing; removed pursuant to civil or ecclesiastical discipline is another.  Sent to Partenia is yet a third.  But excommunicated?  It just doesn't happen that often.  The only cases that come to mind, at the episcopal rank, are Lefebvre (about whose followers we have already written far too much) and the wild and wacky Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo.  The latter, you will recall, not only performed illicit ordinations, but was himself married -- by Sun Myung Moon.

So what's going on here?  We don't know.  It appears the guy stole some money, but what else -- running a tattoo parlor?  A house of ill repute?  We appeal to informed readers to send us the scoop.

In other PNG church news, a Lutheran pastor there was recently imprisoned for killing his own brother.  With a shovel.  Oy, vey.