JULY 13 - LETTER TO THIS EDITOR

We are fortunate to have another outstanding letter to this editor. As many of the previous ones, this one too focuses on reconciliation in the old diocese. This is particularly apropos at this time as we prepare for the three conversations next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

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LETTER TO THIS EDITOR

There has been much discussion, written and oral, about the recent refusal of the United States Supreme Court to hear an appeal by the Diocese of South Carolina (diocese) from the decision of the Supreme Court of South Carolina. Mostly this discussion centers around the diocese refusing to accept that the legal proceeding that it brought against The Episcopal Church has been finally determined. While there were different opinions issued by the Justices of the South Carolina Supreme Court, the majority of the court (three out of five) came to the same conclusion - the diocese is free to leave The Episcopal Church but only seven can take their properties with them. The South Carolina Supreme Court did not rehear the case and the United States Supreme Court, by deciding not to hear an appeal, has confirmed that there was no compelling reason to not accept the South Carolina Supreme Court decision. The claim that there is more litigation on the issue of ownership of the 29 parishes is just plain wrong. That decision is final and there are no more avenues to change that direction.

There is, however, a pending action for the implementation of the South Carolina Supreme Court's decision. This action cannot and will not alter the Court's decision regarding the ownership of the church properties. The Episcopal Church and The Episcopal Church in South Carolina have requested the appointment of a Special Master to oversee the transition and have petitioned the 1st Circuit Court of Common Pleas to order a full accounting of all assets held by a group that broke away from the church in 2012. The accounting would "allow this Court to equitably proceed in this matter" to restore property to The Episcopal Church and The Episcopal Church in South Carolina and compensate them for any loss in value of property since the split occurred in October 2012. The Chief Administrative Judge of the circuit, has scheduled a status conference, typically held to set a schedule for disposing of the case, for July 26. It could be several months before this matter is settled. It is true that this is a complex matter and covers new territory, but there is every reason to believe that action on the implementation can and will take place in the next few months.

Another suit that is pending is the one in the Federal District Court to regain the name of our diocese, its trademarks and the affirmation that Bishop Adams is the legitimate Bishop of The Episcopal Church in our diocese. The case will most likely be decided in our favor given the opinion of the South Carolina Supreme Court that these belong to us and not to those who broke away from The Episcopal Church.

We have read and heard all kinds of misinformation (to borrow the President's term "fake news"), some of which has some truth, but mostly is wishful thinking. We need to keep in mind that these letters and statements are likely given for two reasons: one, to frame the discussion by the diocese in terms of their being the victims in the court of public opinion, and, two, to give them hope of prevailing against The Episcopal Church. In reality, neither matter as the court will implement the South Carolina Supreme Court's decision.

We all should keep in mind that the goal of The Episcopal Church is reconciliation - to regain a commonality of worship with those who were disaffiliated - to welcome one another again as friends, neighbors, brothers and sisters, and open a whole new chapter in our Christian faith together in the churches where we and our ancestors have worshiped for generations. We need to remember that we are all God's people and should love each other as Christ loved us. 

Louis Gentry,

Edisto

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Mr. Gentry is the senior warden of the Episcopal Church on Edisto. Another big Bravo, and thank you, to Louis Gentry, for this generous letter.

Again, all of us have been most impressed by the letters to this editor that I have posted on this blog. We all have something to say; and you do too. Send me your two cents' worth, or maybe more. We need to hear from you.