The Associated Press
LIMA — An Orthodox priest in Ohio said he was suspended for attending President Donald Trump’s rally near the White House three weeks ago before a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Father Mark Hodges said he was told by a church leader that he was “guilty by association” in a letter outlining his three-month suspension.
“I think it’s an unjust suspension,” Hodges said.
He said he marched toward the Capitol on Jan. 6, but left when he saw a group “intending to violently antagonize the police” and officers using tear gas.
“My beloved bishop had questioned the wisdom of a priest attending,” he said. “I think part of the problem is I viewed that “Stop the Steal” rally as expressing extreme concern over voter fraud allegations in the 2020 election.”