[Episcopal News Service] The dean of the Episcopal cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, faces criminal charges for allegedly shoplifting baseball cards from a Walmart.
The Very Rev. Aidan Smith has led Trinity Episcopal Cathedral since 2019, first as provost and the following year as the congregation’s dean. He had been on administrative leave since late January for reasons that the diocese has not identified. On Feb. 27, he was arrested after leaving a Walmart in the suburban Pittsburgh borough of Economy, according to an Associated Press report.
“I was troubled to learn of his arrest and the details alleged in news reports,” Bishop Ketlen Solak said in a written statement provided to Episcopal News Service. “As more information becomes available, we will investigate the situation and follow the Title IV canons of The Episcopal Church, which set forth the process for handling clergy misconduct.”
The Very Rev. Aidan Smith has led Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, since 2019. Photo: Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
The Associated Press, citing court records, said Smith, 42, was found with 27 packs of baseball cards worth $1,100 hidden under his clothes and in a cardboard box. Security footage reportedly showed Smith taking similar merchandise without paying for it on four previous days.
He was charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property.
“I invite everyone to pray for Aidan, for his family, for the entire cathedral congregation as we grieve this news—and for everyone impacted by the situation,” Solak said in the statement provided to ENS.
She plans to meet with the cathedral community on March 14 to discuss the situation and “to help them begin to process this experience.”
– David Paulsen is a senior reporter and editor for Episcopal News Service based in Wisconsin. He can be reached at dpaulsen@episcopalchurch.org.