Leaders of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth have recommended that it leave the more liberal Episcopal Church, the Anglican body of the United States.
The Episcopal Church faces considerable internal division, including revolt by some dioceses and parishes, over allowing an openly gay bishop and not forbidding the blessing of same-sex unions.
The Fort Worth diocese’s standing committee ”“ a key panel of clergy and lay leaders ”“ proposed Monday that the diocese withdraw from the Episcopal Church and affiliate with another province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
In announcing the recommendation, the Rev. Ryan S. Reed, president of the committee, described Fort Worth as a “traditional, conservative diocese” that has long found itself at odds with the leadership of the Episcopal Church.
The proposal to withdraw would have to be approved at the diocese’s annual convention Nov. 16-17. And because the move involves changing the diocese’s constitution, a second vote would be required at next year’s annual convention.
Precedence for a diocese leaving TEC: 5 or so left in 1861…rejoined 4 or 5 years later.
Precedence for the TEC as “owner” of an entire dioceses’ property = ZERO!
If there has been an example of TEC filing suit to claim an entire diocese’s properties, would someone cite it?
Meanwhile, I’m sure that the diocese of Ft. Worth would hope to continue its modest growth, and remain true to the Faith once delivered to the saints, regardless the lawyers and their suits!!!
And they won’t be alone!