The honorable way

Bishop Iker has released a letter to VirtueOnline:

Bishop Jack Leo Iker

FEBRUARY 5, 2009

The following clergy have signified a desire to no longer be canonically resident in this diocese, as they no longer accede to the diocesan Constitution and Canons. I certify that they have been clergy in good standing in this diocese and are eligible for transfer to another jurisdiction. It is my Godly Judgment that they are to be removed from the role of clergy of this diocese effective immediately.

Parish Priests
The Rev. J. Frederick Barber
The Rev. Christopher N. Jambor
The Rev. Sam McClain
The Rev. James R. Reynolds
The Rev. William T. Stanford
The Rev. William J. Taylor, III

Non-Parochial Priests
The Rev. Melvin A. Bridge
The Rev. James A. Hazel
The Rev. David A. Madison

Retired Priests
The Rev. William R. Belury
The Rev. Bruce W. Coggin
The Rev. Vernon A. Gotcher
The Rev. Bertrand N. Honea, Jr.
The Rev. Walter. W. Kesler
The Rev. Alex D. Moffat
The Rev. Courtland M. Moore
The Rev. John D. Payne
The Rev. Gayland M. Pool
The Rev. Frank B. Reeves
The Rev. John H. Stanley, Jr

Deacons
The Rev. Janet G. Nocher
The Rev. Sharla J. Marks
The Rev. Susan Slaughter

Dated at FORT WORTH, TEXAS, this 5th day of February in the year of Our Lord, 2009.

The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth
2900 Alemeda Street,
Fort Worth. Texas 76108-5950



In this letter, the Bishop of Fort Worth releases twenty priests and three deacons from the Diocese of Fort Worth. He notes in doing so that they were all priests in good standing and are eligible for transfer to another jurisdiction.

What a contrast to the dishonorable way that pecusa has been handling those who have left for another Anglican province. In a previous post Philip Ashley states that 12 bishops and 104 priests and deacons have been deposed for transferring out of pecusa. These numbers include three priests that were formally in the DCNY.

When we compare how Bishops Iker and Duncan deal with those who wish to remain in pecusa it is a startling contrast to the treatment that those who leave pecusa receive from the totalitarians of pecusa. pecusa demands an exclusive franchise in the U.S. and will not engage in anything remotely like fair practices as they seek to protect that exclusive franchise. These are losing battles that pecusa is fighting; the exclusive franchise is gone forever. And apparently so is any form of graciousness by pecusa. Gracious restraint? You've got to be kidding.