I suppose that no one thinks it is over! However, the dynamics have changed dramatically!
"I have chosen to follow this course rather than seeking consent of the House of Bishops to Bishop Iker's deposition for abandonment of the Communion of this Church because I believe it to be a more pastoral response to Bishop Iker's clear expression of his desire not to be a part of the Episcopal Church at this time," the Presiding Bishop wrote in a letter to the House of Bishops. "I believe this course best expresses my hope and prayer that reconciliation in the future can be achieved by God's love and grace." http://episcopalchurch.typepad.com/episcope/
This is the statement from the Presiding Bishop of the Epsicopal Church. She did not "depose" Jack Leo Iker. She accepted his statement as a fact of abandonment. He made that statement on November 24, 2008 of his own will. (http://fwepiscopal.org/downloads/reFortWorthBishopInhibition.pdf)
He stated "Since November 15, 2008, both the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and I as the Diocesan Bishop have been members of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. " No one forced him to make this statement. Not only did he make this statement but the Standing Committee also made a similar disclaimer.
It is not a matter of whether or not the PB has "authority" over him or anyone else. It is fairly debatable as to whether she has that authority at all. It is also a moot question. He is subject to the vows he took. And that is the crux. He has abandoned by his own words the communion of the Church that named him "priest" and "Bishop".
As they say in Texas, "stick a fork in it!"
2 comments:
Barbi
thank-you for posting the extract from ++Katherine's letter.
what a living blessing to the Church this dear sister continues to be. the surity and transparence of her faith are radiant gifts and cause for much hope.
thanks again Barbi
love to you both
David@Montreal
Yes, David, she is!
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