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	Episcopal Bishop's Appeal Turned down By John P. Connolly The Bulletin February 5, 2009 http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/02/05/news/local_state/doc498a7500c90d6579663968.txt An Episcopal Church court has turned down a Pennsylvania bishop’s request to lighten his sentencing in a church trial yesterday, deciding to uphold the decision to sentence him to defrocking. The special Court for the Trial of a Bishop rejected a request by Bishop Charles Bennison to reduce the sentence, but added that his the decision “does not alter the church’s deep and abiding compassion” for him, expressing its hope that the decision would allow him to seek “reconciliation and peace.” Bishop Bennison was found guilty of conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy in June, handing down a sentence that would depose the bishop of the fifth-largest Episcoapl diocese in the U.S. Lighter sentences, which the bishop requested, included suspension or reprimand. The harshest penalty was selected in a unanimous vote. “We are very disappointed by the court's refusal to modify the unwarranted sentence of deposition it has imposed upon Bishop Bennison,” Bishop Bennison’s lawyers said in a statement. “The court’s unwillingness to recognize the victims' desire over 30 years to not see the bishop punished and its disregard for both the evidence presented at trial and the additional evidence uncovered after trial amount to a grave injustice against a man who has served the Episcopal Church faithfully for four decades. Bishop Bennison has the right under the canons to appeal the court’s decision and intends do so.” Bishop Bennison was brought to trial for his role in covering up the sexual abuse of a young girl committed by his brother, John Bennison, when he was a rector at a parish in California. John Bennison was a lay minister there at the time, and he left the priesthood three years ago. Bishop Bennison will now begin the process of appealing the decision of the court, and not just the severity of the sentence. He has 30 days to give notice of his intent to appeal, and the Presiding Judge of the Court of Review will appoint a date within 60 days for a hearing on the appeal. The Court of Review has nine judges — all of whom are bishops. Five judges constitute a quorum, and the agreement of six judges is required for a judgment. John P. Connolly can be reached at jconnolly@thebulletin.us
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