Several retired bishops of the Episcopal church have called for openness with regards to the costs of ongoing litigation of the Episcopal church with numerous parishes across the country. "We now ask you, the Executive Council, why do you feel the necessity for refusing to furnish information on the cost of litigation You have lawyers. You clearly know that there is NO provision in Federal, State or Canon law for the Executive Council to withhold from members and officials of the Church, information on money being spent on behalf of the Church and presumably for the benefit of the Church. You cannot point to a single legal basis for concealing such information. Your answer is simply, "IT\'S A SECRET". Such an answer is not acceptable. If there is nothing wrong with these expenditures, then why do you refuse to reveal the amount It should not be a secret, and you owe the Church and its membership the courtesy of an honest answer. +William C. Wantland + Maurice M. Benitez" Thus far, this call for financial integrity has been rebuffed. Wildly varying figures are being bandied about from various sources. This is not appropriate for a church or any not-for-profit organization. We, members of the Episcopal Church in good standing, ask the members of the Executive Council fulfill their canonical duty and respond to the bishops\' requests. First note: Petitioners, please sign name and parish, e.g., John Doe, St. Francis, Anytown, Ohio Second note: Please do not sign anonymously. However, we do understand that there are reasons to wish to not give your name.