Diocese Down the Rabbit Hole

According to Episcopal Life, Archbishop Gregory Venables of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone will make a "pastoral visit" to the Diocese of Fort Worth in early May.  He will speak to a convocation of the 2008 diocesan convention delegates to make a case for the diocese joining the Southern Cone if (when!) Fort Worth decides to ditch TEC.  A press release blandly states that "the Diocese of Fort Worth is considering aligning with the Province of the Southern Cone, and this visit will help clarify the practicalities, benefits, and possible drawbacks of such a move."  Readers will remember that the 2007 diocesan convention gave the first of two needed approvals before disassociating from The Episcopal Church.  The second approval is widely expected at the 2008 convention, despite sharp warnings from Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori.

Not all congregations and Episcopalians in Fort Worth are in favor of leaving TEC, however.  Fort Worth Via Media (a sister organization to Albany Via Media) is coordinating communication between loyal parishes and church members.  The website of Fort Worth Via Media displays impressive organization and confidence.  Fort Worth Via Media announces a talk by Louie Crew speaking on the topic "Exceedingly Glad in Times Like These."   The website justifiably calls Dr. Crew "a living legend in the Episcopal Church."  The meeting was to take place March 1, and we eagerly await reports from attendees.

Meanwhile, in a completely disingenuous attempt to claim the mantle of "Christian charity," Fort Worth has announced guidelines "to be followed if a parish wishes to initiate a separation from the diocese."  Authority for this plan is claimed under amended Canon 32 of the diocesan constitution.  Note that these guidelines apply to to parishes that wish to remain loyal to TEC, in other words, who do not wish to ally themselves with the Southern Cone.  Under this scheme, maverick bishop Jack Iker would be the judge who determines if a parish could opt out of the Southern Cone and remain affiliated with TEC instead.  Just think about it, a schismatic bishop assuming the right of deciding whether to "allow" a parish to keep their legitiate worship and the discipline of The Episcopal Church?  Some charity.  No wonder blogger Katie Sherrod has compared this scenario to Alice in Wonderland.