Last week, I received some disappointing news in the ongoing Title IV process that I am engaged in with the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. The Project Grace community which has been supporting me since the beginning of this mess some nineteen months ago sent out the following letter when it heard that the Christ Church Vestry claimed that I had “rejected” their severance offer. Nothing could be further from the truth. This blog post will bring my readers up to date on the “imposed exile”. I continue to be grateful to God for Grace sufficient and for many, many supporters from around the country (and the globe for that matter) who support me with their prayers and words of encouragement. My friends are amazing and shed Gospel Light illuminating the shadows of darkness. Project Grace’s letter stated:
“Friday's email blast letter from Christ Church Vestry regarding Brian Suntken's ‘rejection’ of their Severance Agreement did not include a few important points that we feel should be brought to the attention of the Project Grace community and the Parish of Christ Church, Hudson.
“It omitted, for example, the fact that Brian accepted two key items of the Agreement, those being the willingness to resign and the financial settlement offered by the Vestry. Brian agreed to resign because he wants the best for the well-being of the Parish.
“Friday's letter also omitted that a major sticking point was a demand that Christ Church, the Vestry and Wardens, the Diocese of Ohio, the Episcopal Bishop of Ohio, and the Episcopal Church of the United States be released from any future legal action on Brian's part, without any companion release of Brian, Kathy and John Suntken from possible legal action by Christ Church et al. This leaves the Suntkens at risk of future action against them on the part of the Vestry, while insulating the Church and related parties from any action arising from the many injustices this process has inflicted upon the Suntken family.
“The main revision requested by Brian, after consultation with his attorney, Michael Rehill, was that he and Kathy be afforded the same release from future action that the Vestry demanded for itself.
“One other point of clarification: the Vestry has therefore sought the dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Christ Church and Brian Suntken by Bishop Hollingsworth under Canon III. Translation: they are attempting to wash their hands of the matter and are willing to turn their backs on the concept that Brian deserves the justice promised under the Title IV process.
“We believe that Brian's request to the Vestry was reasonable and provided for the resolution that the Vestry seeks: to move forward. However, the Vestry has decided to pursue a ‘take-it-or-leave-it strategy.’ We do not believe that the Vestry, in concert with the Bishop, is acting in good faith - or Faith, for that matter.”
While I have not been personally involved in Project Grace, I am incredibly grateful for its support. If you wish to read more about this issue, I encourage you to follow along at the Project Grace website which can be found at www.projectgracehudson.org. Keep the faith today, my friends. God wins in the end – I read the book!
Love One Another - Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment