Major Resolutions Pass by Wide Margin at Fort Worth Convention

The resolutions to endorse the diocese's application for Alternative Primatial Oversight (Resolution 1) and to withdraw from Province VII (Resolution 2) both passed with ease at our diocesan convention today. Here are the results:

Resolution 1

Clerical - For: 51 Against: 12 (2 not voting) 80%
Lay - For: 102 Against: 21 (1 abstention) 82%

Passed

Resolution 2
Clerical - For: 51 Against: 12 (2 not voting) 80%
Lay - For: 98 Against: 25 (3 abstentions) 79%

There was extensive debate on both resolutions, though the opposition seemed to be focused in just a handful of parishes. Virtually the entire delegation from Trinity (Fort Worth, next to TCU) rose to oppose one or the other of the resolutions. There were also several opposition speakers from St. Martin in the Fields (Southlake). Other than those two parishes I recall one opposition speaker each from All Saints' (Fort Worth), St. Christopher's (Fort Worth), and Christ the King (Fort Worth). The number of speakers endorsing the two resolutions was great, and those speakers came from across the diocese. This leads me to conclude that, should there be stronger action taken by our diocese in 2007, the vast majority of the parishes would side with our diocesan leadership rather than the "815 loyalists" of Via Media. Four or five parishes might bolt, but the vast majority of the diocese would stand together in wishing to remain a constituent member of the Anglican Communion. I am much encouraged.