In an effort to keep children safe from sexual abuse, The Bishop of Norwich asked the Society of St Edmund to remove a priest accused of "substantial allegations of misconduct with minors" from Enders Island.
After many years of litigation, a lawsuit brought against the Society of St Edmund related to a sexual abuse incident that occurred in the chapel at Enders Island is settled.
In response to concerns raised by the local community in 2011, Father Thomas Hoar wrote to the residents of Masons Island describing the recovery program on Enders Island. In that letter, he states that the facility will not be used as a detox center and that prospective residents must provide documented evidence of 30 days of continuous sobriety prior to admission.
Following an incident that included the theft of a car from a member of the local community in 2011, Father Thomas Hoar wrote to the residents of Masons Island describing the qualifications for participation in his program. In that letter, he states that those with criminal or psychological histories will not be allowed to participate.
A resident at the treatment facility on Enders Island died of an opioid overdose. A tragic reminder of the dangers of drug addiction and the need for professionally supervised care.
In 2016, the Department of Justice sent a letter to State, County, and Municipal officials explaining the provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. In that letter, the Department of Justice makes it clear that those seeking approval for a religious land use need to apply for permits or zoning relief before seeking recourse under the act. The Town of Stonington cites RLUIPA as a basis for not requiring St Edmund's Retreat to conform to local zoning regulations even though St Edmund's Retreat and St Edmund of Connecticut have never filed for permits related to their non-conforming uses.
The issues facing MNPA are broader than just Enders Island. In 2015, the Town of Stonington updated its Plan of Conservation & Development. The plan includes references to the roads in Masons Island Fire District, even though those roads are privately owned. On page 111, the plan shows Chippechaug Trail becoming a major feeder (30-foot recommended width). On page 114, the plan show sidewalks being added to most of the roads in Masons Island Fire District (5-foot recommended width). These changes would materially affect the character of Masons Island; we intend to oppose them.