The letter writing in Pennsylvania continues. This week, the witnesses at the trial of Bishop Bennison of Pennsylvania respond to the news that he claims they knowingly perjured themselves.
October 12, 2010
To the Members of the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Pennsylvania:
When we testified at the ecclesiastical trial of Bishop Charles E. Bennison, we each placed our hand on the Bible and swore “to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” Under this oath, we testified with utmost seriousness, painful honesty, and fervent prayer. We spoke our truth.
Bishop Bennison now claims “it is known that all of the witnesses at my trial intentionally perjured themselves.” Such a grave accusation against the integrity of the witnesses and the ecclesiastical court process leads to the observation that Bishop Bennison continues to exhibit conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy.
In faith,
Julia Alexis, Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real
Martha Alexis, Western Diocese, Anglican Church in North America
Andy Alexis, Catholic Diocese of Sacramento
Maggie Thompson, Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
Rev. Margo Maris, our pastor, advocate and editor, Episcopal Diocese of Oregon
cc: Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori
Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies