The Report also accused Bennison of using the Pennsylvania Episcopalian for "false advertising" saying that there was a year long process of reconciliation when in fact there was none at all. In an unprecedented move the Standing Committee developed its own website because of "false advertising" on the Diocesan website.

While the report does not call for Bennison's immediate expulsion, it makes clear that all avenues of reconciliation are now closed and the only honorable thing for Bennison to do is to either resign or retire.

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 or any "rigorous long-term process for addressing problems."

The report was prepared by The Rt. Rev'd Clayton Matthews, the Office of Pastoral Development of the National Church 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.

The Report also blasted Bennison for his treatment of Fr. David L. Moyer priest of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Rosemont, Pa. whose ongoing lawsuits against the bishop have run up hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees. It would appear now that Fr. Moyer's willingness to take Bennison on theologically and for his duplicity in not allowing an alternative flying bishop that the "seven sisters" sought and failed to get, has been vindicated. In 2002, the Presiding Bishop wrote to Bennison telling him to back off the Canon 10 proceedings against Fr. Moyer and stated that he [Griswold] was prepared to mediate the dispute. Bennison not only ignored this admonition-he willfully concealed the letter from the Standing Committee.

With respect to Bennison's actions against Fr. Moyer, the report has as an attachment a statement by the Rev. William Wood, President of the Standing Committee. "The Bishop failed to share a memo he had received from the chancellor concerning alternatives relating to an important action requested of the Standing Committee by the bishop. The Bishop also failed to share the letter he had received from the Presiding Bishop on the important subject being considered by the Standing Committee. While this letter was not addressed to the Standing Committee, its theme and intent was germane to our decision making, especially since the sender is our Presiding Bishop."

These statements confirm the charges Fr., Moyer has made in his third ammended complaint against Bennison.

In their letter the Standing Committee of the Diocese also ripped Bennison for using the Pennsylvania Episcopalian for saying that a year long process of "reconciliation" was in the works when in fact it was not.

"In light of the comments and recommendations by Bishop Matthews, we do not feel it would be beneficial to embark on a strenuous and lengthy reconciliation process," said the Standing Committee.

The recommendations for a "process of mediation" should and will in all likelihood wend with Bennison's departure. It is only a matter of time.

The Report cited repeated calls for the Bishop's resignation from the floor of convention in November of 2005 and his proposed budget failure necessitating a special convention. Lou Temme, former Standing Committee chairman described the Diocese as a "rudderless ship" under Bennison as far back as 2000.

The Diocesan Council held a meeting on January 12th that was described as "difficult" because 45 people identified as "Concerned Pennsylvania Episcopalians" presented a document entitled "Crisis in Confidence," which called for the Diocese, through its leadership, to begin a process of acknowledging and addressing the real and perceived concerns, rooted in fear, anxiety, and anger on behalf of many members within our community."

On January 24th, the Standing Committee took a unanimous vote of no confidence and respectfully requested the Bishop to retire or resign by March 31, 2006. Previously, the Standing Committee said that it would not consent to the reappointment of Bill Bullitt as chancellor. (Bullitt has since gone and been replaced by Mr. Francis Helminiski).

Bennison said he would think about resigning. On January 25 he wrote to the clergy saying he was praying about it. One day later he wrote back saying he would not step down, inviting the Standing Committee to a "process" of reconciliation.

But Bennison's history with the diocese is one of his priests feeling discounted by the bishop, his failure to work collaboratively with them, poor communication, an accumulation of differences and disagreements and specific direction from the Presiding Bishop to work on his relationships. Bennison failed on all counts, promoting his "vision" using hundreds of thousands of unrestricted net assets to further his legacy in the diocese.

VirtueOnline has learned from sources that camp Wapiti will shortly be mothballed because there are not adequate funds to maintain it.

Bennison's Capital Fund Campaign to finance his "Our Holy Experiment" turned into an unholy mess. The campaign collapsed. Nobody was prepared to support the bishop's alleged "experiment."

The final realization by the Standing Committee that Bennison was loco was when at a meeting following the Convention, the Bishop said that he thought it was the "best Convention ever"; and at that moment, they knew that something had to be done. The light finally dawned on the Standing Committee that Bennison was incapable of changing his previous patterns of behavior and something should be done about the man. The breakdown in trust was complete.

The final straw was complete when they realized that Bennison was withholding Financial Information (not receiving vital information requested of the Bishop), reclassifying documents, manipulating reports, creating Diocesan indebtedness and allocating unrestricted net assets which the Bishop failed to address with the S.C. Bennison's actions were labeled as fiscal insanity.

What is truly sad about the Standing Committee's decision now not to further Bennison's career as bishop, is that they have known for years that Bennison was a disaster and did nothing about it. VirtueOnline repeatedly reported on his venality, poor leadership, theological heresies and much more.

Now the day of reckoning has arrived. Again we urge the Standing Committee; it is time for Bennison to go.

For the full version of the recommendations by Bishop Mathews to the Diocesan Standing Committee click here.

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3743

The Standing Committee Letter can be read here:
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3744

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