So What's Next?

On one hand, the developments at yesterday's trial setting conference are very good news for the St Mary's vestry. On the other, neither the vestry, its counsel, Mrs Bush, nor the other defendants now without counsel are going to say anything about their plans going forward. Here are some general observations:

• Mrs Bush is 87 years old. Her legal situation is heading south in a hurry. She doesn't seem to be fully aware of this.
• The other defendants, now without counsel, are potentially liable for serious money in a two-day trial four months away. For them to have gotten themselves into this situation suggests extreme recklessness, but it's not beyond possibility that, already reckless, they may simply try to ignore the upcoming trial.
• It's likely that some degree of liability will be assigned to the ACA, now without counsel. Collection of damages if this happens would probably involve seizing any bank accounts and quite possibly garnishing diocesan tithes. To avoid having their tithes go to pay the judgment, parishes and dioceses could quite possibly withdraw from the ACA. I'm not sure if there will be an ACA a year from now, much less a Diocese of the West.
• My wife asked about any pending mergers with other "continuing" denominations. My view continues to be that no "continuing" denomination will seriously consider merger until Bps Marsh and Strawn are not just retired, but deceased. However, I believe the ACA will cease to exist well before that happens.
• If any of the defendants were remotely prudent, they would be hiring attorneys, who would be on the phone with Mr Lengyel-Leahu in very short order. It is much more likely that they will remain in denial.