On September 14, 2010 the Southern Cone parties failed in their attempt to obtain a ruling that they, and not the Episcopal parties, were the continuing “Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth” and “Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.
This arrangement was made to give the school time to secure other accreditation, a process than can take up to two years. SWAES did this because the association wanted to deal compassionately with faculty and students caught up in the aftermath of the 2008 decision of individuals to leave The Episcopal Church.
Matis, president of the standing committee, declined Tuesday to speculate on future relations between Bennison and the committee. When it became apparent in their meeting that Bennison intended to stay, Matis said, committee members did not broach the question of resignation, but instead “updated him on issues relating to the diocese.”
We do not believe that Bishop Bennison has the trust of the clergy and lay leaders necessary for him to be an effective pastor and leader of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, nor that he can regain or rebuild the trust that he has lost or broken.We believe that it would be in the best interest of the Diocese that Bishop Bennison not resume his exercise of authority here.
The Standing Committee invites you to gather at our Cathedral at 4:30 p.m. this Sunday afternoon, August 8, for Evening Prayer, a time of open conversation and an opportunity to share our thoughts and feelings. Our Dean, Judith Sullivan will lead our worship and Assisting Bishop Rodney Michel will guide our conversation.
Asked how he expects Saturday’s nominating synod to play out, Ashmore, rector of Trinity Church in Jacksonville and secretary of the standing committee, which has ecclesiastical authority in the diocese in the absence of a bishop, was at a loss for words. “I’m not really sure (of the outcome),” admitted Ashmore. “And that’s the end product of a lot of thought.
“As to whether or not to engage in performing and blessing same-gender unions within the Diocese, I respect the pastoral judgment and decisions of the clergy under my pastoral oversight. ”
Similar to those tired and stressed soldiers, we too are tired of it all. So, “Why are we doing this?” I believe we are doing this for two very important reasons: We are upholding the principle of the integrity of the Episcopal Church, and we are opposing a big lie.
“We have experienced some procedural setbacks in our litigation both in Tarrant and Hood counties but we remain firmly optimistic…. Remember that more than a third of the many cases The Episcopal Church has won across the nation are won on appeal. We have always assumed these cases would be appealed no matter which side prevailed at the trial level,” Bishop Ohl said.
Where the Anglican District of Virginia congregations once wanted to be as far away from The Episcopal Church as possible, they now want to play down their association with Church of Nigeria as much as possible. The Episcopal Church is the embraceable you.