Priest's erotic photos under investigation

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ST. LOUIS, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- An Episcopal priest who has shown erotic photographs in art galleries is under investigation by the Diocese of Missouri, church officials say.

The diocese told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch the investigation of the Rev. John Blair was prompted by an anonymous letter complaining about his photography. The newspaper said it received a similar and also anonymous letter.

Some images showing nudes were displayed in an online gallery until they were removed, the Post-Dispatch said, and Blair has also had photographs at galleries that showed men and women in sexual poses.

Blair is currently a chaplain at Christian Hospital in the St. Louis area. He was ordained in 2000 and has served at several churches.

The Rev. Daniel Smith, assistant to Bishop Wayne Smith, who is not related, said that the diocese did an online search for Blair's photography and references to it on Tuesday. A disciplinary board that has seven members, both priests and laypersons, is now investigating whether Blair has violated Canon IV, which lists offenses that include "immorality" and "conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy."

Penalties for priests found guilty of misconduct ranges from a written reprimand to being defrocked.