The Session of Olive Street Presbyterian Church (we changed our name) has once again decided that they are unable to try Sarah and me, and have referred the trial to Presbytery. Maybe they think that since we’re in a new Presbytery, they’ll get a different answer. I’m not sure why it took ten months to figure it out, but there we are.

The last time they did this, their reasoning was that they didn’t have enough active members to conduct a trial. Now, it seems that they’re doing so because they conclude that they need the members of the court to act as witnesses. I have a tough time believing that the Philadelphia Metro West Presbytery is going to reject this any more gently than Heritage Presbytery.

One odd item of interest is that Wayne Brauning, our former pastor, is referred to as “an additional witness”. He was already listed as a witness on the indictment. Of course, the indictment was delivered one year ago… it doesn’t surprise me if they’ve forgotten.

The body of the message from the court moderator follows:

The Court has concluded that in light of BCO 32-17, we must refer the matter of Olive Street Presbyterian Church v. Thomas III & Sarah Albrecht for decision to Philadelphia Metro West Presbytery.

Accordingly, the record of the case as it stands at this point will be referred to RE Grant McCabe, Stated Clerk, Philadelphia Metro West Presbytery.

The Indictment continues, as will the prosecution. However the Prosecutor will call additional witnesses: RE Jim Sauer, RE Ray Doreian, and TE Wayne Brauning.

All other matters in relation to the complaint will continue under the venue of Philadelphia Metro West Presbytery or its Commission, as the Presbytery decides is appropriate.

TE Dale T. Van Ness
Moderator