Posted on 09/09/2002 6:30:42 PM PDT by dighton
A choirgirl is suing the dean and chapter at Lincoln cathedral for causing her “mental anguish” by not awarding her a coveted honour for senior choristers.
Pollyanna Molloy, 13, is claiming damages on the grounds that she was “utterly destroyed” when she discovered that a younger, less experienced girl had been chosen to lead processions in the nave wearing a distinctive cape known as a “cope” .
The legal action against the dean and chapter is believed to be the first time a child has sued an organisation in such a case. Her father, a financial consultant, has withdrawn both Pollyanna and her 10-year-old sister Maisy from the choir in protest.
Michael Molloy admitted that he and his wife Fiona, who have two other children, were known as “moaning parents” because they had questioned the long hours expected of the girls, who work many evenings and weekends.
But he added: “We’ve put such a lot of work into this. It has been my two daughters’ lives for the past three years. I don’t see why the cathedral authorities should get away with it.”
The dean, the Ven Alec Knight, last night denied any breach of care and said the cathedral would strongly resist the claim.
The writ, which was lodged at Lincoln county court yesterday, is the latest in a series of disputes at the medieval cathedral, which is currently embroiled in a row over proposals by the dean to sack the organist.
The cope is given each year to four senior choirgirls in recognition of their musical ability, leadership qualities and good behaviour, and the position is highly prized. The girls, wearing their black capes over blue cassocks, lead formal processions of senior clergy through the cathedral at the beginning and end of services.
Mr Molloy, 34, from North Willingham, said that under guidelines for the choir, his daughter, who was in her last year as a chorister, should have been awarded a cope on grounds of seniority. As a choral scholar at the neighbouring Lincoln Minster School, she was also a gifted musician.
He claimed that he had been given a verbal indication in April that his daughter would receive the honour if she stayed an extra year at the school. As a result, he said, he had delayed entering her for a music scholarship to a senior school.
“The choirmaster, Simon Morley, gave a glowing account of Pollyanna’s abilities and her prospects,” said Mr Molloy. “Her being awarded with a cope should have been a formality.
“At the end of term, however, the choirmaster said that he refused to bow to parental pressure and had decided to award it to a girl a year younger, who had been in the choir for less time and was less musically advanced.”
Pollyanna said that she had been “very disappointed” to have been passed over for the honour. “I couldn’t believe it. I am the second oldest girl in the choir and the oldest girl already has a cope.”
The Dean said: “There are four cope girls out of a choir of 20. Selection is based on the criteria set out in the choir handbook. The four girls who best met the criteria were chosen. We understand that those not chosen will be disappointed but it is not a reflection on their contribution to the cathedral choir.”
He said that seniority was only one factor among many taken into account in making the choice. Other factors included setting a good example, pastoral care and concern for other members of the choir and being attentive and responsive.
The dean wants to sleep with the organist?!
Now that sounds like more of a story!
And of course, God is watching this unfold in His cathedral. She may have worry about more than just this life.
Of course, He's well known for forgiving transgressors.
Her parents, whatever they *think* they're doing, have done her no favor.
Let's hope she overcomes her dreadful upbringing.
But Veruca, sweetheart... I'm doing all I can...
This girl is a Bad Egg... most definitely.
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