Finally, TEC press releases have included, with some frequency, statements by legal counsel for TECSC claiming its willingness to discuss “settlement options”. This is disingenuous nonsense. We should remember the following at a minimum:
”¢ We were in the middle of what we hoped could be “settlement” discussions when TEC attempted to remove Bp. Lawrence in 2012.
”¢ In the 90+ instances of litigation that TEC has instigated around the country, none has concluded with a settlement — just the opposite. When parishes in the Diocese of Virginia wishing to leave TEC actually reached an agreement with their bishop, that deal was scuttled by the Presiding Bishop’s Chancellor, who announced there was “a new sheriff in town”. Offers of settlement in other places have been likewise rejected. And even when the case has been definitively settled by the local courts, as in Illinois, TEC has refused to cease litigation, to the point of sanctions being imposed by the courts there.
”¢ The fact is that TEC’s legal counsel was told as far back as 2013 that the Diocese would consider any proposals submitted to our counsel in writing. There have been none.
Thank you, Canon Lewis.
The “settlement option” has already been implemented by the Diocese, which gave quit claim deeds to parishes and allowed parishes by majority vote to leave the Diocese and affiliated with the General Convention church. What that small minority wants is all the property which still belongs to the majority.
Good to see the Canon to the ordinary telling it like it is.
If TEC was serious about settlement, then after reading this, their attorneys would be straight on the phone to their Dio SC counterparts. But I am guessing there will be no reaction at all, because what Canon Lewis says is the simple truth.
Church of the Word in Gainesville, Virginia did have a settlement with TEC and DoV resulting in them retaining their property but in exchange for a tidy sum of money and a 5 year disaffiliation. Only one year remaining before they can rejoin ACNA. Similar to St. Philips in Moon Township and Our Savour Oatlands VA.