Another letter to Bishop Bennison
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania has written another letter to Bishop Bennison, in which they reflect on the last 6 weeks of his return to the office of Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for the issuing of more letters, and perhaps more actions at next month's diocesan convention...
PENNSYLVANIA: Letter from Standing Committee continues debate with Bennison
The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania Standing Committee continued Sept. 29 its contentious public debate with recently returned Bishop Charles Bennison via a letter that accused him of inconsistency between his words and his actions. The Standing Committee also termed as "shocking" a report it said it had received indicating that the bishop had told a Sept. 25 meeting of the Diocesan Council that "'it is known now that all the witnesses at my trial intentionally perjured themselves.'"The committee members said that Bennison had "managed to ignore or discount the opinions and conclusions of three courts, two Presiding Bishops, the House of Bishops, and untold numbers of lay and clergy in the diocese of Pennsylvania, and now all the witnesses at your trial."
"We find it amazing that you are able to think that this is in any way normal behavior," the letter said.
The letter included examples of why the Standing Committee believes the bishop was pursuing an agenda that runs contrary to the work the committee says it has done in his absence to begin a visioning process for the diocese and deal with financial problems it has said were caused at least in part by earlier decisions made by Bennison.
If he stated that the all the witnesses intentionally perjured themselves, I would suspect those witnesses have legal and canonical recourse to contest such a defamatory statement. Of course truth is a defense in a defamation case, but it seems to me hard to prove that ALL the witnesses were intentionally perjuring themselves.
This is quite sad as it spins more and more out of control. But again do not these actions of his themselves rise to the level of conduct unbecoming?
As painful as this will continue to be, keeping a bright light of transparency on it will make the "Bennison Saga" a case study for Bishops, Priests, Standing Committees and Vestries for years to come.
Posted by Michael Russell![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 6, 2010 4:17 PM
The clergy had a retreat with Eric Law last week - to practice skills of communication in difficult situations.
Posted by Ann Fontaine![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 6, 2010 4:24 PM
Actually the clergy day with Eric Law was yesterday (Tuesday) and he focused on getting people to listen to one another because there are so many different views within DioPA. Some of our most vocal members hardly ever listen to anyone other than themselves and they love making speeches. You'd think they were running for office (or maybe they think they are).
As I have tried to communicate for some time now, this problem is more complex than the sins of one person and there's a great deal going on here beneath what you see and read. As in most things, it's not a simple matter. Please understand that I am not defending Bishop Bennison or his choices but neither am I willing to jump into this feeding frenzy. From where I sit, I see a whole bunch of folks obsessed with this matter to the point that they too are neglecting the mission of the churches that have been placed in their care. That's the part in all of this that concerns me. Someone I respect within the diocese has suggested that everyone take a time out for two weeks to calm down so we might see a bit more clearly and respond more wisely. That seems like good advice in this situation.
Posted by Peter Pearson![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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October 6, 2010 10:39 PM