Translation of the letter from Edgar to Lily

April 28, 2002 Upharad

Dear Lily

The last I talked with you was by telephone regarding your concerns for Grant Bernardo's mental health and your fear for what as you expressed it as the "evil" in his life. Both I and Mireille appreciate your care for us and for Emma to whom we forwarded your warnings.

Since then, quite a few new things have revealed themselves which neither you nor we could have foreseen at that time. None of us have had any control over them. God has not asked us for advice on what was the best way for the situation to unfold, and today we can only confirm what is.

Over the holidays we had a very welcome visit from Astrid and Grant. Grant fixed us a grilled Peruvian chicken dish. Astrid had her hands full entertaining our children. (They are still talking about how much they like her.)

Lily, perhaps we would not have chosen as they have, and (well?) could have wished that things were different on several points. I will not be party to the extremely cruel disputes that have arisen — however, these are very fine human beings with an apparent desire to do what is right. I just want to plead with you to try to appreciate the good in your sister and her husband.

This is certain, they are far from perfect exactly as the rest of us, but they are not "evil," and a person can't call love an "illness." To use religious beliefs to justify extreme cruelty towards, and resentment for our fellow human beings can hardly lead to anything but tears and more conflict. History has much proof about such thinking, that with force to try to take power over another's life (no matter how much wrong one thinks they've done) doesn't lead to peace or anything good.

Lily, I know that in your mind there likely isn't any reason to consider this plea of mine -- I and my family are already looked upon unfavorably and extremely despised by your fellow-believers in your church. We know that. Don't do it for my sake, but dear Lily, think about your sisters best, and show her the warmth and support she needs and misses.

With friendly greetings,

Edgar

P.S. The fact is we appreciate and love the different members of the Barnato Family that we know, does not deny that there are aspects of their lifestyle and ways of doing things that we don't understand or participate in, and even are concerned about. These things are those which pertain to them as individuals and traits they have in common. We are convinced that God continues to work to form (recreate everyone) more like the perfect pattern. Both you and them probably have similar convictions about what could be different in my life. And rightly so. We have to believe God works on that.

[translated 1/05/03 by y&dj]

Note: The point that the legal council of Astrids opposition want to make with this letter was the wording in the PS. where I mentioned 'concern' for things in their way of doing things.