A UNITER, NOT A DIVIDER

from Midwest Conservative Journal by The Editor

Roman Catholics? Once again, you’re welcome. Pennsylvania Episcopal BishopCharles Bennison pulls away from the field in this year’s Most Vile Pointy Hat competition:

I sincerely appreciate the prayers of my peers in the House of Bishops

Right about now, I’m pretty sure that most, if not all, of them would prefer that you didn’t mention that, Chuckles.

and understand that they are concerned for the welfare of my soul.

They’re probably way more concerned with the witness of their church but to-may-to, to-mah-to.

However, they have no cause to be worried.

Unless any of them have young children or know somebody who does.

I am, and have always been, innocent of the charges against me. And now the Court of Review of the Episcopal Church has reversed the erroneous decision of the Trial Court, and I have been restored to my position as Bishop of Pennsylvania.

Free to find the real bishop who covered up my brother’s perversions.

As the Court of Review clearly determined from its review of the facts, I was unaware of my younger brother’s inappropriate relationship

“Inappropriate relationship?” Try statutory rape, Chuck.

with a minor member of our church until late 1977, after the relationship was over, and the young woman was legally an adult.

The Court of Review also determined that I did not conceal anything about this matter, including my conduct, and that numerous clergy and bishops, including the then Presiding Bishop, Edmond Browning, knew of my conduct and did not deem it to be unbecoming a member of the clergy.

Except that that’s not what actually happened as the bishops point out.

In a lengthy judicial process Bishop Bennison was found guilty on two counts of conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy during a lengthy judicial process. Subsequently, the Court of Review reversed one count, upheld one count, but vacated the sentence because the statute of limitations had expired. We respect the decision of the Court of Review and we share their disappointment and find the ultimate resolution of this matter unsatisfactory and morally repugnant.

The bishops go on to quote from the Court of Review:

The tragedy of this conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy is exacerbated by the fact that, during the trial of the case, Appellant testified that, upon reflection on his failure to act, he concludes that his actions were “just about right.” They were not just about right. They were totally wrong. Appellant’s testimony on this subject revealed impaired judgment with regard to the conduct that is the subject of the First Offence and that is clearly and unequivocally conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy.

As well as the appeals court:

…we find that Appellant committed conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. Because the statute of limitations has run on that offense, we have no choice under the canons of the Church but to reverse the judgment of the Trial Court finding that Appellant is guilty of conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy…

But back to Chuckles. Ever wanted to kick a bishop as hard as you possibly can right in le secteur génital? You will in about fifteen seconds.

But resigning my position as Bishop of Pennsylvania will not ease [the victim's] pain or remove the sting of the abusive relationship.

Which I contributed to since I covered up the whole thing, my misremembering of the situation notwithstanding.

Instead, I hope that the suffering I have endured during the past three years has strengthened me and will enable me to work for reconciliation within the Diocese.

“The suffering I have endured.” Dear God.

You have to give Chuckles this much; the folks here are even more disgusted than I am. So if Mrs. Schori ever decided to cap him, not much of anybody would complain or start bringing up legalities.

What should the Diocese of Pennsylvania do now? They’re basically stuck with the guy for the next seven years or so. But I know what I’d do.

I’d skip church entirely the day Bennison was scheduled to visit my parish. Or I’d go and watch him process in. Then once he began the prayers, I’d very loudly stand up and walk out, hopefully accompanied by most, if not all, of my fellow-parishioners.

But that’s just me.