In an interview Bennison bizarrely at first insisted the report recommended a reconciliation process. "They do recommend a process of reconciliation and remediation," he declared. "It's a process I continue to hope everyone will engage with and I continue to hope for remediation."

The bishop was then read the Matthews report conclusion, "Given the depth of divisions that have been created over many years, the repeated leadership style preference of the Bishop, and the unanimous opinion that the Bishop is incapable of entering into any process without being in control of it; we cannot recommend any process of conciliation of any 'rigorous long-term process for addressing problems."

Bennison responded, "I reject that. It is based on people to whom Bishop Matthews talked but he didn't talk to that many people. I think his assessment is based on presumptions that are neither valid nor fair to our situation in the diocese at this time." "I think I have a fairly accurate understanding of diocese's strengths and weaknesses at this time. The diocese in terms of congregational vitality is doing very well. The congregations are growing, the clergy is doing well, and we are doing good work in the city and the five county area."

Bennison said he has no intention "what-so-ever" of resigning.

Bennison is exhibiting all the classic signs of a sociopath, said a priest who asked not to be named for fear of retribution. According to a clinical definition of sociopath, Bennison exhibits serious antisocial personality disorders in that he does not appear to experience true human emotions. (He once referred to this writer as his friend in front of a room full of Episcopalians that brought gasps from those present.) A sociopath is also marked by deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain steady work or honor financial obligations. Such a person also shows a lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or rationalizing having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another."

Bennison fits the definition to a T.

The diocese is in such a financially ruinous state that a special Diocesan Convention has been called on March 25 to deal with the issue of money, mainly declining parish giving, and alleged improper dipping into diocesan trust funds and assets to keep the diocese afloat and for massive spending on projects that include the purchase of Camp Wapiti that may have to be moth balled, with additional millions of dollars spent on the cathedral ($3 million on the floor alone) that draws less than a hundred people weekly. There is even talk of the diocese running with a $1 million deficit with the money being drawn from unrestricted net assets.

A group called Concerned Episcopalians has documented the financial state of the diocese and reveals a diocese in financial free fall. Without massive monies from the unrestricted net assets the diocese faces possible bankruptcy.

Bennison's inability to see himself as others see him; his total blindness to how he deals with people; the fear and loathing he engenders in his clergy; the near total mistrust of anything he says or does, has left the diocese with no choice but to force him to go.

If he continues to refuse to resign or retire then the Standing Committee can demand his resignation knowing that it is backed by Bishop Clayton Matthews and his colleague Woodriff (Woodi) Sprinkel, LCSW, member of the Title IV Task Force of the General Convention.

The Title IV Review Committee is responsible for examining any ecclesiastical charges brought against a bishop leading to possible expulsion from the Episcopal Church.

It is time for Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to take action. Four years ago, Griswold told Bennison to back off from his persecution of Fr. David Moyer, Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont, and said he would take action if he refused. Bennison not only refused-he concealed Griswold's letter from the Standing Committee (one of the reasons now cited by the Standing Committee for finally getting rid of Bennison). But Griswold failed to take the action he promised. Now Griswold has a second chance. He should immediately inhibit Bennison from performing any duties as a Bishop and begin procedures to depose him.

END