Stand Firm: The Bishop of the
Diocese of Fort Worth Responds to the Presiding Bishop
[received via email]
November 12, 2007

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
815 Second Avenue
New York, NY 10017

Dear Katharine,

I have received your letter of November 8th and am rather surprised by your suggestion that I have somehow abandoned the communion of the church and may be subject to ecclesiastical discipline. Such a charge is baseless. I have abandoned nothing, and I have violated no canons. Every year at our Chrism Mass, I very happily reaffirm my ordination vows, along with all our clergy, that I will be “loyal to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of Christ as this Church has received them.” (BCP, pages 526 and 538)

It is highly inappropriate for you to attempt to interfere in the internal life of this diocese as we prayerfully prepare to gather in Convention. The threatening tone of your open letter makes no attempt to promote reconciliation, mediation, or even dialogue about our profound theological differences. Instead, it appears designed to intimidate our delegates and me, in an attempt to deter us from taking any action that opposes the direction in which you are leading our Church. It is deeply troubling that you would have me prevent the clergy and laity of this diocese from openly discussing our future place in the life of the wider Anglican Communion, as we debate a variety of proposals. As you well know, the polity of this Church requires the full participation of the clergy and lay orders, not just bishops, in the decision making process. It grieves me that as the Presiding Bishop you would misuse your office in an attempt to intimidate and manipulate this diocese. the rest


TLC: Bishop Iker: Presiding Bishop’s Letter 'Highly Inappropriate'
11/12/2007

Bishop Jack L. Iker of Fort Worth has responded to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, describing her letter to him last week as threatening and “highly inappropriate.”

Bishop Jefferts Schori wrote a public letter of warning to Bishop Iker on Nov. 8 in which she urged him “to lead your diocese on a new course that recognizes the interdependent and hierarchical relationship between the national Church and its dioceses and parishes.” the rest

ENS: Fort Worth bishop responds to warning letter from Jefferts Schori