‘The presiding bishop’s attorney told the 15 Nov 2012 meeting of TEC loyalists the national church had been preparing for the fight with Bishop Lawrence and the majority faction in the diocese for some time.’
Questions over the presiding bishop\u2019s actions have arisen in light of statements made by Mr. Tom Tisdale, a lawyer for Bishop Jefferts Schori given at a 15 Nov 2012 \u201cclergy day\u201d\u009d held at St Mark\u2019s Episcopal Church in Charleston. An open letter to the bishops of the Episcopal Church detailing her alleged violations of the canons prepared by the Anglican Communion Institute has also prompted questions.<\/p>\n
The presiding bishop\u2019s office has not responded to queries concerning the ACI\u2019s open letter, nor is it known if Bishop Jefferts Schori has complied with Canon Iv.4(f), which requires her to self-report to \u201cthe Intake Officer all matters which may constitute an Offense as defined\u201d\u009d in the canons.<\/p>\n
Mr. Tisdale told Anglican Ink he too was unable to comment. My \u201cinability to answer your questions is that I have consistently held to a long standing practice and policy of not engaging in press interviews on matters in which I am representing a client. The only exception to this practice would be when I am specifically requested to do so by the client.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
In his address to the approximately 40 clergy and lay members of the diocese present, Mr. Tisdale stated that in light of the suspension of Bishop Lawrence on 15 Oct 2012 by the presiding bishop and the vote by the standing committee to withdraw from the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, there was no functioning ecclesiastical authority in South Carolina.<\/p>\n
He stated he was legal counsel for the presiding bishop in South Carolina and a \u201cfew months ago\u201d\u009d<\/b> had been asked to organize a transition group by the national church in preparation for such an event.<\/p>\n