We were shaken, but not undone, by the reversal of the verdict of the Trial Court by the Court of Review for the Trial of a Bishop. We have had, after all, disappointing experiences with bishops, spanning three decades, and we have been routinely discouraged with their responses. We are particularly concerned that Bishop Charles E. Bennison stated publicly at trial that he still believes that he acted appropriately in this matter and would take the same approach again if called to do so. He has learned nothing.
The light of truth shone in the verdict of the Trial Court. They had the courage to listen to our testimonies with open hearts. Always with spiritual presence, they acted with utmost integrity and diligence. How brave they were. Their landmark ruling gave us hope that the Episcopal Church could be a guiding beacon to all people everywhere who are affected in some way by clergy sexual abuse and the complicit behaviors of those bishops who again and again choose to protect their own, instead of protecting their flock.
Impressive letter.
Extraordinary people.
Wonder how the Presiding Bishop will respond?
Wonder how the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies will respond ?
Serious issues here that needs to be addressed forthrightly.
I predict that she won’t, and neither will they.
Agree with Cennydd13. Should, but won’t.
Then what would you suggest the victims and witnesses do to bring Bennison to justice?
Hunter27 – Didn’t say it was fair, but TEC has been punishing good people and letting the guilty ones off the hook for years. Not a lawyer, but could a personal injury lawsuit work? Or is that past the statute of limitations as well?
Our hearts go out to the victims and witnesses. This is a travesty, absolutely no doubt about it. Bennison should at least have enough sense to bow out quietly, and in the very least have admitted he should have done things differently.
But we will be praying that God moves Schori and TEC to action, that justice will prevail. Remember that while you and they may not see justice in this lifetime, Bennison will face God for this – and God gets the last word. We pray he gets the picture now rather than later.
Thank you so very much.
I know the “Witnesses” will appreciate your concern and kindness.
Is there a statute of limitations in Pennsylvania law pertaining to what Bennison did, and if there isn’t, what would be the next step for these victims to take? Could TEC be sued for failing to take action sooner?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations on the original aiding and abetting, but causes of action for other acts and failures to act of Bennison and others one would think will be explored as well as his recent and current activities.
A lot of anguish, I suspect, would go away if TEC would only act responsibly as the “Witnesses” have suggested in their “Open Letter”.
Think it is important to get a general consensus of what many of us would do, if we were in the same position.
I appreciate most of us have never been there, but most people who comment at these special sites have good common sense and an excellent moral compass.
The more minds, the better.
It is teamwork that can really do the job in all of these things.
A little idea from one person can spark something in another.
Just the fact that you also have responded says a great deal. Thank you.
What I would love to see for starters is people commenting about all aspects of this hideous situation at the various articles on many sites so that the “Witnesses” do not feel alone and that what they have gone through is for nothing.
The next thing is to write emails to the below expressing your thoughts……doesn’t have to be a big deal, just a few short sentences. It can be amazing what a snowballing email campaign can accomplish. Encourage your friends and others on the net to do the same.
Email:
Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 716-6273
(800) 334-7626
pboffice@episcopalchurch.org
Forward what you emailed to Jefferts-Schori to
David Booth Beers, Esq., Chancellor
Goodwin Proctor, LLP
901 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.346.4224
dbeers@goodwinprocter.com
And, importantly,
Forward what you emailed to Jefferts-Schori and/or Beers to SNAP:
David Clohessy, National Director
314 566 9790 cell
SNAPclohessy@aol.com
This is a well recognized and professional organization that has experience with all sorts of abuse complaints.
What you send there will not land on deaf ears.
These people are experts.
SNAP stands for Survivors’ Network of those Abused by Priests
Together, I really believe we can make a big difference to the “Witnesses” and to the benefit of us all.
Thank you again so very much for your thoughts.
( What you said prompted me to write all I have just written ! )