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ST. GEORGE SC: Day 10: Noted Episcopal Historian testifies to Hierarchical Nature of Church
By Ladson F. Mills III
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
July 22, 2014
Like the old song “Rainy days and Mondays” the start of week three seemed destined to “get one down.” The day began with national church lawyer Thomas Tisdale stating its case could be concluded by Tuesday. This was prior to calling the first witness of the day.
Dr Walter Edgar a noted and popular historian and retired professor from the University of South Carolina was slated to begin the morning with his testimony. In addition to his extensive knowledge Dr. Edgar arrived with numerous supporters both clergy and lay from his home parish of Trinity Cathedral from the Diocese of Upper South Carolina.
Although the national church intended to use him as a factual and not expert witness to establish the hierarchal relationship between the diocese and national church his qualifications were immediately challenged by Diocese of South Carolina attorneys. The judge herself expressed concern as to how his testimony would be relevant to South Carolina Property Law which is the defining issue in this case.
Dr Edgar’s study of historic documents pertaining to the Diocese of South Carolina was to be used to support its subordinate role to the national church. Judge Goodstein reiterated to both parties that South Carolina is a “neutral” principle state and will only consider how this relates property law.
The judge’s lengthy explanation was extensive leading one visitor to remark that it helped explain the challenges that she faces in the case. All parties to the discussion were clear that the objecting to the relevance of his testimony was not to be seen as any disparagement on Dr. Edgar who is well respected throughout the state.
D. Edgar was eventually allowed to testify as to the hierarchical nature of the Episcopal Church from the documents he had examined. Under cross examination he admitted to only looking at the financial aspect from the national church to the diocese and not the other way. Attorney Alan Runyan suggested that the dioceses support of the national church was far greater perhaps as much as 900 times greater.
The national church is expected to conclude presenting its witness within the next day or two.
Ladson F. Mills III is a retired priest with over thirty years pastoral experience. He is retired and lives with his wife in South Carolina. He currently serves as Scholar in residence at the Church of Our Saviour, Johns Island. He is a regular contributor to Virtueonline
