Two senior priests of the Diocese of Fort Worth have left the breakaway Anglo-Catholic diocese for the Anglican Ordinariate.
On March 8, Bishop Jack Iker announced that his number two man, Canon Charles Hough, and Fr. Louis Tobola had resigned their posts effective March 31.
The bishop noted Canon Hough had served as Canon to the Ordinary for the past 17 years, and he and Fr. Tobola had each served for over 30 years in the diocese. “Though they have not yet resigned from the ordained ministry, they are expected to do so at the time the Ordinariate is established for former Anglicans who wish to come into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church,” Bishop Iker said.
Don’t expect a flood of further defections. Although it is conceivable that a few more priests may follow once the Ordinariate is established in the US, I doubt the number will exceed three (or perhaps four) more clergy of our diocese going over to Rome in the foreseeable future.
Am I right in thinking that another one had already gone Roman? A young guy in a good-sized parish.
I hate to see the Diocese of Fort Worh diminished in this way, but God bless these priests in their new roles in the RCC.
Two of our most recently ordained priests and one with about a decade of service in the diocese departed for Rome last year. As I say, there may be a few more to go but then I think the departures will be at an end.
texanglican, I agree with you that there shouldn’t be many more. There were previously 4 (not 3) who left prior to these 2. I’m sad to see them go–all good and faithful priests. But, if that is where they feel God calling them, then I wish them Godspeed!
Right, Henry, I remembered that S.J., C.N., & J.W. left in the last two years. I had forgotten M.S. left at the same time. While I cannot imagine a realistic scenario under which I personally could submit to Rome, I certainly concur with you wishing them well in the Roman Catholic Church. Everyone much follow his conscience in these matters. Godspeed their spiritual journey.
“must” rather than “much,” of course!
So, Bp Iker and his cronies weren’t misogynistic and homophobic enough for them? Odd.