As you know, our opening brief for our Appeal was filed in May. The next important date is August 29 when the L.A. Diocese and the National Episcopal Church are to submit their reply to our opening brief. Of course, there will be two of them. Our attorneys are asking for prayer for wisdom in how to respond to their briefs. Our due date for our (consolidated) reply is September 29, but we will probably ask for an extension of 30-45 days. After that the briefing is closed. Then the third party amicus briefs are filed. Those are the “friends of the court” briefs that are filed on our behalf or the other side’s behalf. After that the court reviews everything, possibly for a few months. We could have a final hearing and a decision the first part of 2009 , but criminal cases have priority over civil cases, so the final hearing of our case could be pushed to mid or possibly late 2009. Also, there is still the possibility that the court would agree to stay the case until the St. James Supreme Court decision, but that’s left up to the appellate judges.

I will try to keep you informed as things progress, but realize we are moving at a snail’s pace at this moment. Please continue to keep our attorneys in your prayers, for they are also heading up the St. James’ Supreme Court case. And as always, any contributions to our Legal Defense Fund are greatly appreciated!

Blessings,
Debbie Kollgaard
Sr. Warden