Friends,
More news on the legal front.
Perjuring priest Bob Malm, his wife and daughter now are represented by legal counsel. I know this because the attorneys for the diocese and parish sent me a copy of the joint defense agreement, under which the various lawyers may share information without waiving attorney-client privilege.
The next step will be the filing by the diocese and parish of their Grounds of Defense, which is in response to my Bill of Particulars. That happens at the end of February, and the court rules on motions and schedules a trial date at the end of March.
Depending on how that goes, I may move to transfer the suits against Leslie and Lindsey Malm into circuit court, where we would begin the long process of discovery. My guess is that this would take the better part of a year.
There are other legal actions waiting in the wings, including a likely suit by Mom’s estate, as well as several claims against Bob Malm and other named individuals.
Meanwhile, the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia is holding its visioning sessions, in which people can discuss their goals for the future of the diocese. But if that doesn’t include accountability for clergy at all levels, is there a future for the diocese? Should there be?
I believe that there’s little point in even having a diocesan structure, or a church for that matter, if it makes no effort to walk the walk.
Please continue to share my petition, and join me in telling Bishop Susan Goff and the rest of the Episcopal Church that we deserve better than their hypocrisy.
Bishop Goff, end the hypocrisy. Do your job and hold Bob Malm accountable.