Thursday, November 22, 2007

Episcopal suit testimony ends

http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071121/NATION/111210047

[The Washington Times] 22 Nov 2007--Testimony in the largest property trial in the history of the Episcopal Church ended quietly yesterday after two prominent witnesses managed to avoid the withering cross-examinations that had been typical in the bitter dispute.

Virginia Episcopal Bishop Peter J. Lee, whose diocese, along with the national Episcopal Church, is suing 11 breakaway congregations, was only asked basic questions about his occupation by his attorney, Brad Davenport.

This move seemed to stymie the attorneys for the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA), which is representing the 11 churches. They left the denomination almost a year ago over disagreements on biblical authority and the 2003 consecration of a homosexual bishop and took an estimated $30 million to $40 million worth of property with them.

"They limited the direct exam dramatically," said George Peterson, an attorney for Truro Episcopal Church, one of the CANA churches.

But Bishop Lee said after the hearing he had not asked for any special treatment.

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