On February 19th 2008, the Diocese of Niagara served St. Hilda’s with legal papers with the intention of taking possession of St. Hilda’s building and freezing our bank account.
On February 19th 2013, exactly five years later, I was served personally with a statement of claim for defamation of character from the Diocese of Niagara’s Bishop Michael Bird.
The claim is seeking:
- $400,000 in damages plus court costs and their legal costs.
- An interim and permanent injunction to shut down Anglican Samizdat.
- An interim and permanent injunction prohibiting me from publishing further comments about Michael Bird.
The claim quotes – with sporadic accuracy – 31 blog postings that are alleged to be libellous. On the advice of my lawyer, the posts were removed the day after receiving the statement of claim.
Contrary to what one might expect in such circumstances, I did not receive a cease and desist letter in advance of the suit.
Initial negotiations for an early settlement have been unsuccessful.
I have filed a statement of defence, the pleadings are now closed and we have commenced the Discovery process.
Stay tuned.
