College of Bishops Delays Considering
Any Action in Response to Carter Suit
The College of Bishops will, for the time being, take no action in response to a recent decision of a jury in judicial proceedings of the 48th District Civil Court of Tarrant County, Texas, in which Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter, presiding prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, was found to be liable in a monetary judgment for Negligence and Assault. In a statement read at the opening of the 24th CME Convocation in Louisville, KY, by Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary of the College of Bishops, on behalf of the College, ..."[I]n the absence of a formal charge filed within the Church, there is no action to take against Bishop Carter."
Earlier in the statement, Bishop Reddick read, "The College of Bishops recognizes the rights of all persons involved in this matter but above all realizes that the church is of God and not of human beings. While the church exists in a civil society and is subject to the laws of that society, it has its own laws and procedures which in this society are given due deference when followed. For this reason, until a final judgment has been entered regarding the...finding, the College of Bishops asks members of the CME Church to refrain from rash and partially informed judgments or actions."
The judgment rendered by the Civil Court on August 27, 2010, found the CME Church to be 25% or one-quarter responsible for the judgment amount, according to the statement. But the CME Church, through its legal representative, has filed a motion for a Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict "which asks that the judgment against the church be reduced and/or set aside." The Bishops' statement suggested that a final judgment is expected in the next six weeks.
In the statement, the College of Bishops said that with respect to "issues and questions of theology and [CME] doctrine raised by this case...[the College] will present a report to the General Connectional Board suggesting steps for the church to take in order to define and clarify the church's position on" those issues related to the civil suit against Bishop Carter. The statement made clear that the suit against the Bishop was in fact "civil" and not "criminal." Finally, the statement again made clear that once a final judgment by the judge is rendered, the College of Bishops will "...determine any appropriate follow-up action."
Bishop Reddick asked that any CME members with questions should direct them to each members respective Episcopal leader.
