In late January, I asked 12 of the senior, most respected priests of the Diocese to begin meeting together as a clergy discussion group to assist me in addressing the tensions and conflicts involved in the life of our Diocese as we move toward a Diocesan Convention vote in November to separate from the General Convention of The Episcopal Church. I am sorry to report that after several meetings over the months, they have been unable to agree on any proposed remedy for the divisions that face us.
What a shame – and, yet, what a gracious way to have tried for moving forward. Would that all would try to extend such grace.
Yes, Bp. Iker, I will pray. I will pray especially for you and everyone in your diocese.
Who was the intended target of this letter, and should it really find its way onto T:19? If no minds have been changed, then just let things (the vote) takes its course.
Here is how ELO has expanded on ++Katharine’s and Beers’ position:
Iker reported October 13 that, after the Dallas membership plan had been presented to the leaders of five Fort Worth parishes most likely to take advantage of it, the Chancellor of Dallas reported that he had consulted the Presiding Bishop’s Chancellor, David Booth Beers. Beers told him Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori would not support such a plan and that he did not believe the General Convention would support it either. Canon 10 in Title I of the Episcopal Church’s Canons governs the formation of dioceses and contains no provision for parishes to individually leave one diocese and join another.
“Canon 10 in Title I of the Episcopal Church’s Canons governs the formation of dioceses and contains no provision for parishes to individually leave one diocese and join another.”
And we know how respectful of the integrity of the canons KJS and DBB are…..