National Episcopal Church sues Fort Worth group over split

By ANDREW CHAVEZ
Special to the Star-Telegram
Tue, Apr. 14, 2009

FORT WORTH — Hoping to reclaim several pieces of church property and millions of dollars in endowed funds, the national Episcopal Church has sued a local group that split from the church in November.

The lawsuit, filed late Tuesday in Tarrant County court, follows months of negotiations after a bitter split between the two groups over what the local group, led by Bishop Jack Iker, considers the national church’s abandonment of orthodox principles.

The Iker-led group has opposed the Episcopal Church for accepting a gay bishop and same-sex unions and for its ordination of women as priests.

The local group has pledged loyalty to the South American Anglican province. the rest