Former Lt. Gov. Caldwell suspended from duties as Plainfield church pastor
Church officials confirmed that Caldwell was removed from his position as pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church.
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A week after Dale Caldwell officially resigned from his position as New Jersey's lieutenant governor, the Plainfield church where he served as pastor has suspended him.
In a statement to News 12, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi of United Methodists of Eastern Pennsylvania and Greater New Jersey confirmed that Caldwell was removed from his position as pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church.
"Because we hold clergy to a high standard, we take the allegations made in the report seriously. Following the publication of the report about the former Lt. Governor, I received a complaint based on the concerns raised in the report," Moore-Koikoi said. "In order to protect the well-being of Rev. Caldwell, the congregation, and all those involved, Rev. Caldwell has been placed on suspension while the complaint is processed."
RELATED: Lt. Gov. Caldwell resigns after sexual harassment and ethics complaints
As of Friday morning, Caldwell's name was still listed on the sign in front of the Plainfield church as being the pastor. His name and picture are also on the church's official website.
Moore-Koikoi said the United Methodist Church has processes in place to address concerns that involve members of its clergy.
"A just resolution process seeks to address harm and conflict through accountability, healing and, when possible, restoration," the bishop said in a statement. "A judicial process is a formal disciplinary proceeding used when a clergy person is alleged to have violated church law."
During the process, the church reviews the allegations and evidence to determine what actions should be taken.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill demanded Caldwell's resignation after a months-long internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and ethics violations. The investigation found credible evidence of sexual harassment involving a female staffer and her friend. It also found violations of state ethics rules in that Caldwell repeatedly tried to secure a promotion for a girlfriend.
Although Caldwell has repeatedly denied the allegations, he resigned from his position last Friday. Caldwell says he resigned because he did not want the controversy surrounding an investigation into his conduct to distract from Gov. Mikie Sherrill's administration.
