Battle of Virginia, Day 3: Heart of Darkness
More than simpy tipping my kepi, I bow in humble respect for your work, BabyBlue.
As a litigator I was fascinated to read about the strategy by counsel for the Virginia Eleven to end their case with the videotaped deposition of PB Schori. While I will admit to being envious of the opportunity to cross-examine the PB, from BabyBlue's description they did a magnificant job and it was a terrific piece of courtroom strategy to end their presentation with the chief priestess of the opposition.
Some of the choice tidbits from Schori's testimony:
(1) After several evasive answers, she finally admitted that she did not agree with the Primates' communique from Dar Es Salaam. This is after, by all reports, she openly stated her agreement in the meeting from which the communique issued. While her actions since the Tanzania meeting clearly established that her assent was less than honest, it is no on the record, under oath, that she lied to the Primates when she agreed. Such wonderful qualities for a church "leader."
(2) Schori admitted that the ongoing litigation is by her personal order and is under no one else's authority. So, in addition to dishonesty, add an admission of spending millions of TCGC dollars, which have been donated by parishioners to support the mission of the church over the years, on litigation without seeking any specific authority to do so from any church body. Methinks she doth fear the outcome of a vote?
(3) Schori accused Steve Waring of the Living Church of publishing inaccurate stories in response to questioning that quoted her as using the term "division" about the current schism in the church. She did so without any proof that he had reported inaccurately. She admitted never speaking to him about the alleged inaccuracy. She admitted still giving interviews to Mr. Waring. By all accounts, Mr. Waring is considered one of the most responsible, accurate and ethical reporters on church matters extant today. The clear impression from the courtroom seems to be that Schori, rather than admitting her statement, was willing to case dishonest aspersions on Mr. Waring. Per BabyBlue, this brought an audible gasp from the courtroom gallery.
(4) Of course, as I noted yesterday, Schori testified by video deposition because she is travelling right now in China on TCGC's, meaning its membership's, nickel. Since it is public record now, at least the excerpts played into evidence yesterday, I hope we will soon be able to view her prevarications for ourselves.
As I mentioned yesterday, often the crucible of the courtroom reveals quite a bit about the truth of people and their core beliefs. Persistent, firm questioning by skilled legal counsel, backed up by evidence, will strip away the witness's arrogance and the protection of scripted webcasts or speeches, and reveal the truth about the person. From Wednesday's argument by TEC/DioVA counsel that there is no such thing as the Anglican Communion, to Schori's performance via video deposition Thursday, we have gotten a glimpse into the black heart of TCGC and the lengths to which Schori and her minions will go to defeat the orthodox opposition to their agenda. It is a frightening picture when one considers that this is the putative leader of a large denomination, and certainly far from the warm and fuzzy persona she tries to project with the rainbow vestments and the earth-mother attitude.
It is exactly this sort of behavior, coupled with the apostate denials of Scripture and Jesus Christ which continually escape from her lips, that give me chest pains when I contemplate attending a TCGC church. What I had once thought would become my church home, after growing up Methodist, has been stolen from me so completely it is sometimes breathtaking.
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