“This is not disrespect for the institution, its past history or credibility”. The audience listened with bated breath. “The platform gains or loses sanctity with the speaker’s intent, and the platform has been defiled by someone’s act.”
“You are making a grave allegation, son! And such words need to be backed up with sufficient and indisputable proof.”
“I wish this day had never dawned. The institution once revered now lies hollow, its rituals echoing without conviction, stripped of the reverence that once bound hearts together. And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—yet carries only the memory of sanctity, not its living flame.”
A garland fell off the pictures behind, and the flames flickered as if supporting his statement. The congregation fell silent. He drew a deep breath,
“I only ask the people whose names have appeared in the Epstein files to resign.
Prompt line
Sympathy
And the faint perfume from its chalice steals—
Creative Experiments and More 
Nobody or no institution should be above any law, what happened is wrong.
LikeLike
Alas, there are those who do resign… but I fear the worst sinners will never back down.
LikeLike
Oh what a creative and convicting use of the prompt line, Reena, in this well-written scene! If only we had such stalwart individuals to finally drive out the Epstein class of people. Instead they seem to be protected to the highest degree. This is how the most revered of institutions fall.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t see a single institution around that is above board. Business and politics usurp their power and autonomy, and exploit their identity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hard to disagree, Reena. The minute the money starts flowing in, so does the corruption.
LikeLike