Resolution Regarding the Southern Cone's Invitation
The diocese of Fort Worth will have the following resolution on its agenda at our diocesan convention this weekend:
Resolution 2
A Response to the Invitation of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone
Whereas, it is the resolve of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth to remain within the family of the Anglican Communion while dissociating itself from the moral, theological, and disciplinary innovations of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America;
And whereas, the Synod of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, meeting Nov. 5-7, 2007, voted to "welcome into membership of our Province on an emergency and pastoral basis" those dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America who share this resolve;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 25th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth extend its sincere thanks to the Synod of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, and to its Primate, the Most Reverend Gregory J. Venables, for the generous and fraternal invitation to join their Province;
And, be it further resolved, that the Bishop and Standing Committee prepare a report for this diocese on the constitutional and canonical implications and means of accepting this invitation.
Resolution 2
A Response to the Invitation of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone
Whereas, it is the resolve of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth to remain within the family of the Anglican Communion while dissociating itself from the moral, theological, and disciplinary innovations of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America;
And whereas, the Synod of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, meeting Nov. 5-7, 2007, voted to "welcome into membership of our Province on an emergency and pastoral basis" those dioceses of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America who share this resolve;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the 25th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth extend its sincere thanks to the Synod of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone, and to its Primate, the Most Reverend Gregory J. Venables, for the generous and fraternal invitation to join their Province;
And, be it further resolved, that the Bishop and Standing Committee prepare a report for this diocese on the constitutional and canonical implications and means of accepting this invitation.
posted by Texanglican (R.W. Foster+) | 6:40 PM
6 Comments:
It's confusing to me to keep reading of a diocese planning to leave the Episcopal Church, as that is not possible. Maybe some day I'll get it, but not yet.
Scott, that is precisely what will determine the myriad of court cases 815 is getting ready to launch. I am absolutely confident that FW shall prevail on this disputed question. PB Schori and Mr. Beers are simply wrong about this one. Of course, time and a Texas State District Court will tell.
Fort Worth voluntarily entered TEC back in the early eighties. We can voluntarily leave. It is simply false to assert, as Mr. Beers does, that "dioceses are a creation of General Convention." Our diocese formed itself first and then applied for admission to TEC at GenCon. As a general principle the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Societies are voluntary associations of dioceses, and GenCon is not the master of "subordinate" dioceses of its own making. We in FW shall leave of our own free will (should the constitutional changes be approved at two diocesan conventions) just as we choose to enter TEC in 1983.
I don't think Fort Worth is a special case in terms of its relation to the Episcopal Church, and I think Bp. Iker is the one who is simply wrong.
You're right that time and a court will tell!
There is one way in which Fort Worth is a special case: property in the dioese was vested in a corporation from day one, meaning that much of what 815 has been spouting about property elsewhere may not be (and think almost certainly won't be) relevant.
But as regards dioceses, I believe there is no reason do think ANY diocese could leave of its own free will. They are no mere subdivisions of the General Convention church.
Excuse the typos. I meant, "I have no reason to doubt that ANY diocese could leave the General Convention church of its own free will at any time."
815's line is much like that of the abusive spouse--"If you try to leave me I will destroy you!"
I'll admit that I don't completely understand the politics involved in the relationships between a diocese and the Church as a whole, but I see no reason for it to be "impossible" for a diocese to leave the Church.
There is always an option. That option may be "dissolving" the diocese and reforming as a new diocese under the Southern Cone. Granted, I highly doubt it will come to that, but I'm trying to illustrate that there are a myriad of options. If the diocese of Ft Worth decides to move ahead with this, there is little stop it.
Personally, I look forward to the move.
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