(This is a copy of the letter - see original signed document scanned original pdf file)
Dear Father,
Thank you for your fax which arrived today, as did the current "decree" from Bishop Wilson.
I am pleased that steps are in progress to initiate the second phase of the Inquiry.
You have been appointed to head this Inquiry and as such I request you place on your records that I am not pleased regarding your reference to the Order of Saint Charbel. It is not "so called" and I object to this terminology and the insinuations. It is, and has been from its foundation, a New Form of Consecrated Life such as has been established and promoted by His Holiness the Pope. I refer to the Apostolic Letter of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, entitled: Vita Consecrata of 1996.
The documentation of the Order was presented in Rome in 1988 by the Priest of the Order, and several times thereafter. Your reference "so called" gives rise to the impression that the Order is a bogus Organisation, and thus this statement can easily sway the thoughts of a Panel. Under Canon Law the Commission must be composed of an impartial and unbiased Panel, and must judge the case and facts presented, fairly, before a decision is made.
It is my understanding, Father Matthews, that such a Commission under Canon Law, must appoint an Advocate for me. May I know who he is, or am I permitted to choose one myself?
Furthermore, in September last year Bishop Wilson placed a "Decree" on me without any fair and just finding from the Commission, and without any proper protocol or procedure, and he demanded I disband the Order of Saint Charbel. How can I be directed to do such a thing when no findings are registered from the Investigation. This is totally at odds with Canon Law.
I sent an Appeal to Rome. As the Commission had not contacted me within 14 days, as is required by Canon Law in such cases -- where is the Appeal? Also, the Appeal was to have been acted upon 30 days after, from Rome.
Now a new "decree" has surfaced; it is a statement of fact only. The Bishop continues an Investigation which, in his previous "Decree", indicated a non-compliance to the fact of his intent to conduct an Investigation -- but all indications show no procedure was complied with as the main evidence was dismissed without a hearing to myself and the Order.
The "so called Order" that you referred to is registered nationally and internationally as an Associate Group for the sake of legality, as it is prevented from being registered as a Religious Institution.
I am happy to attend to your request, and the books and documents will be sent to you without delay.
Please understand me, Father Matthews, I am pleased that some activity is coming forth from the Bishop's Office, and that finally a proper Investigation is about to commence. However, I want it noted on your records, for future reference, that several Canon Laws have been violated in regard to me and the Order of Saint Charbel, by Bishop Wilson and the Commission.
Wishing God's Blessing upon you,
Yours sincerely,
[signature]
WILLIAM KAMM
Moderator