Monday, January 14, 2008

From the Current Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth:

A Statement from the Bishop of Fort Worth on Bishop Schofield’s Inhibition

It comes as no surprise that the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church has initiated canonical actions against the Rt. Rev. John-David Schofield to remove him from office. However, the matter is complicated by the fact that Bishop Schofield and the Diocese of San Joaquin, by constitutional action of their Convention, are no longer a part of The Episcopal Church. They now function under the authority of the Province of the Southern Cone. Disciplinary actions cannot be taken by this Province against a Bishop who is a member of another Province of the Anglican Communion.
The House of Bishops of TEC can indeed prevent Bishop Schofield from functioning as a Bishop in congregations of The Episcopal Church. However, they cannot invalidate his consecration as a Bishop in the Church of God, nor prevent him from functioning as such in congregations that welcome and affirm his ministry as their Bishop.
The Bishop of San Joaquin has my friendship, my support, and my prayers during this time of turmoil in the life of our church.

The Rt. Rev. Jack Leo IkerBishop of Fort Worth

__________________________________________
I must say that neither does it comes as a surprise to me that Jack Iker would make this statement. What else can he say at this point? And while I always wonder why he doesn’t just sit back and hush, why would he say less at this point? He has gone so far, it would take so much courage to back down now.

Ok, so John-David is no longer a bishop within the Episcopal Church. Not a problem. Whether he is still a bishop or not in another denomination is of no importance to me. The only thing that matters is that he is not a bishop in the Episcopal Church. Sanctions, smanctions…kick the guy out.

So let John David play bishop in the Southern Cone. But take heed, all who would follow his lead. John David is no longer a part of the Episcopal Church, therefore he is no longer the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin – regardless of what he or anyone else says. There is still time though. The bishop of Fort Worth could stop all the posturing and truly work towards reconciliation.

No…I don’t suppose that he can.

1 comment:

Bill said...

Dear Barbi,

Greetings from another St. Louis Episcopalian (currently far from home, but headed back this summer). We go to Trinity, in the Central West End, and have been very happy there.
http://www.trinityepiscopal.net/

Wishing you good luck in your house search. We live in the city, close to the Botanical Garden and Tower Grove Park. Big, historical neighborhood.
All best wishes,
Bill

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