The adversarial relationship between this Diocese and the leadership of The Episcopal Church was
\nexacerbated by two decisions made by the Executive Council of TEC at its meeting last week.<\/p>\n
I. The Council\u2019s refusal to participate in the Pastoral Scheme developed by the Dar es Salaam Primates\u2019
\nMeeting has deepened our sense of alienation from TEC. Instead of \u201cwaging reconciliation,\u201d\u009d the Council
\nhas failed to respond to the expressed needs of those dioceses appealing for Alternative Primatial
\nOversight, pushing us further apart from TEC. They have claimed that the Pastoral Council proposal
\nviolates the polity of TEC, but they have been unable to substantiate this by citing any constitutional or
\ncanonical provisions to that effect.<\/p>\n
II. Claiming an authority that our polity does not give, the Council has declared certain amendments to
\nour Diocesan Constitution \u201cnull and void.\u201d\u009d To this, we respond, first, that it is not within the scope of
\nduties assigned to the Executive Council to render findings as to the legality or constitutionality of
\nactions by the several dioceses of The Episcopal Church; and second, that resolutions adopted by the
\nCouncil, or even by the General Convention, are non-binding. Therefore, this resolution is nothing more
\nthan an opinion expressed by those individuals who issued the statement. It is itself \u201cnull and void\u201c \u201d\u201c
\nunenforceable and of no effect. This action is another example of the heavy-handed tactics being used by
\nthose who do not have the right to interfere in the internal constitutional process of the dioceses.
\nWhile the Council\u2019s resolutions on a range of subjects may excite debate, that does not guarantee their
\nopinions are consistent with the Faith, the law of the land, or the Constitution of The Episcopal Church,
\nmuch less that they establish precedent. That the Council would attempt to interfere now, nearly 20 years
\nafter this diocese first amended its Constitution, is evidence of an illegitimate magisterial attitude that
\nhas emerged in the legislative function of TEC. Sadly, the one thing the resolution does show is that there
\nis no desire on the part of the Council for reconciliation with those alienated by the recent actions of
\nGeneral Convention.<\/p>\n
The Council\u2019s threats may continue, but we will continue to stand for the historic biblical faith and our
\nLord Jesus Christ\u2019s call to extend His Kingdom. We regret that a further deterioration in our relationship
\nwith TEC has been effected by these decisions.<\/p>\n
The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo Iker
\nBishop of Fort Worth<\/p>\n
The Very Rev. Ryan S. Reed
\nPresident, Standing Committee
\nJune 19, 2007<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The adversarial relationship between this Diocese and the leadership of The Episcopal Church was exacerbated by two decisions made by the Executive Council of TEC at its meeting last week. I. The Council\u2019s refusal to participate in the Pastoral Scheme…<\/span><\/p>\n