The Living Church News

Dallas, Fort Worth Dioceses Expand Oversight Provisions
03/27/2007

Two Texas bishops have expanded an 11-year-old plan for alternate episcopal oversight. In place since 1996, the “Dallas Plan,” praised recently by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference, provides for women in the Diocese of Fort Worth who seek ordination to the priesthood to be referred to the Bishop of Dallas. Citing “pastoral concern” for one of his parishes, Bishop James M. Stanton of Dallas approached Bishop Jack Leo Iker of Fort Worth late last year to amend their agreement so that aspirants and parishes in Diocese of Dallas who do not approve the ordination of women might come under Bishop Iker’s episcopal care.

The expanded “Dallas/Fort Worth Plan” was conceived by the bishops this month and has been immediately implemented. St. Francis’ Church, Dallas, now is under Bishop Iker’s pastoral care. Under the agreement, the parish’s annual assessment will be divided equally between the dioceses. Its property continues to belong to the Diocese of Dallas. the rest


New York Cathedral Transformed for Elton John's Birthday Party
03/27/2007

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City was the site of pop singer Elton John’s 60th birthday party on March 25.

Details about the celebration were reported in several articles on the singer’s official website. “Elton marked the eve of his 60th birthday last night with a star-studded private dinner for friends and family in the world’s biggest cathedral,” stated one of them. the rest