After being a delegate to the Dallas Convention, Robert Button attended the Fort Worth Convention as a visitor. Here are his thoughts:

A Comparison of the 2009 Fort Worth and Dallas Annual Diocesan Conventions

I attended the recent Episcopal Diocesan conventions held in Dallas October 16-17 and in Fort Worth November 13 -14. I was a delegate in Dallas and a visitor in Fort Worth. These two conventions offered a serious contrast both in tone and in substance that is clearly worth exploring.

The Dallas convention was dominated by discussion of the proposed Anglican Covenant. Three major speeches headlined the convention concerning the proposed covenant and the authority of a diocese versus the authority of the National Church. Parish delegations did not sit together as in the past. Small groups engaged in discussion after the speeches directed by a facilitator at each table. The speakers were the Rt. Rev. James M. Stanton, Mr. Mark McCall, and the Rev. Dr. Philip Turner – members all of the ACI (Anglican Communion Institute), a group antagonistic toward the Episcopal Church. The aim here was not to promote a discussion of the pros and cons of the covenant but rather to provide a one-sided positive view of the covenant.

In his speech, Bishop Stanton of Dallas forcefully stated his belief that virtually all authority is with the diocese, not with the National Church, and an individual diocese has the right and authority to vote on the covenant. The diocese need not wait for the National Church to debate and vote. Mr. McCall, an attorney, propounded his view that the Episcopal Church is a voluntary group of members (dioceses). He seemed to imply TEC is much like a trade association of businesses. The diocese has authority – not the National Church- as there is no “supremacy” clause in the Episcopal Church canons and constitution. Dr. Turner strongly criticized the covenant opponents, saying it placed “limits on its doctrinal and moral innovations”. The Episcopal Church, according to Dr. Turner, has effectively already rejected the covenant by its actions. He concludes by ominously stating the Anglican Communion will perish without a strong Section Four in the covenant (the enforcement clause). According to the speakers at this convention, the diocese can and should vote to endorse the covenant. This is the new strategy of those opposing the authority of the National Church. The same strategy is being employed in the Diocese of Western Louisiana. Unlike Bishops Iker, Duncan, etc., these bishops are not technically leaving the Church. They remain as a cancer slowing killing the body from within.

While the Dallas affair had the air of a group of beleaguered people trying to protect themselves from the perceived evils of their own Church, the Fort Worth convention conveyed an upbeat, positive tone despite the unimaginable hardships endured by faithful Episcopalians in Fort Worth over many years. On Saturday morning, the convention’s first order of business was to celebrate the Eucharist in the All Saints school chapel. The glorious sunlight streaming through the chapel’s glass windows captured the mood perfectly. Provisional Bishop Gulick gave a combination sermon\ convention address, making several points totally missing from the Dallas proceedings. First, he said the Fort Worth convention would consider resolutions bringing the diocesan constitution and canons in line with those of the Episcopal Church. He hoped the diocese would furthermore ensure compliance not only with the letter of the constitution and canons but the spirit as well. Bishop Gulick gave special mention to Canon 43. Here there are two parts – One stating marriage is between a man and a woman and the second which forbids same gender blessings. This canon would not be brought up for deletion at this convention, but it would be a topic for discussion. In his opinion, part two trespasses on the individual consciences of priests. The Canons committee believes Fort Worth should have an education and listening process beginning now. This process must include the testimony of GLBT persons. In one of the great moments of the convention, Bishop Gulik said “We don’t talk about someone – we talk with them”.

In Dallas, there is no such discussion or listening process. The Diocese of Dallas website has in recent weeks prominently displayed its ban on same gender relationship blessings and on ordination to the priesthood of those in committed same gender relationships. In the Bishop’s address to the convention, the opening sentence reads as follows: “Every diocese is an independent and sovereign state…”

As the convention proper convened in Fort Worth, Bishop Gulik read a letter of support from our Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts-Schori. In it, she expressed her gratitude for the ministry and witness of Fort Worth Episcopalians and that Fort Worth provides hope to others. In Dallas, for all intents and purposes she does not exist.

In Fort Worth, the business of the convention was, well, rather business-like. In a calm and professional manner, the convention passed resolutions declaring null and void actions of prior diocesan conventions which violated the Episcopal Church constitution and canons. The convention also supported efforts to recover and retain property interests rightfully belonging to the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.

I was struck by the absolute lack of negativity directed at the prior diocesan leadership that has abandoned the Episcopal Church, absconded with it assets, and split parishes in two. No one – not anyone – spoke with bitterness much less hatred. The concern was the business of the Church, being good stewards of its assets, and ensuring the diocese rejoins the life of the National Church.

Perhaps the most striking resolution was the following: The Bishop should assign responsibility and accountability at the diocesan level for achieving two major goals – (a.) Care for the poor and homeless and (b.) Missionary work and evangelism. After all this diocese has been through, their major goals are to follow the commandments of our Lord to care for others and to bring more people to our Church. These goals are not meant to tear down others, pass judgment on them, or to seek vengeance against enemies. The Diocese of Fort Worth is to serve others as Christ served us and to bring more people into the faith community.

I do not presume to think that these are not also goals of many at the Dallas convention. I do say they were not prominently mentioned nor emphasized. A visitor to the Dallas convention would see not these externally focused goals, but rather the internal circling of the wagons in a desperate attempt to circumvent the authority and even need for the Episcopal Church. Human sexuality is the thousand pound elephant in the room in Dallas. We apparently need a covenant to ensure rogue provinces do not get out of line and should they do so they would pay the penalty.

The Diocese of Dallas proudly offers no direct monetary support to the National Church since 2003. Individual parishes may send the 15% of their assessment designated for the Episcopal Church directly to the National Church if they wish or they may use it for other purposes. The amount is over $500,000 annually. Compare this with the discussion of National Church support at the Fort Worth convention. From the floor, the Rev. Canon Courtland Moore rose to ask that the proposed diocesan budget include full payment of the amount due in support of the National Church. He received applause for this inquiry. Bishop Gulik asked for a separate resolution restoring to the budget the diocese’s fair share for payment to the National Episcopal Church. He said the diocese should pay what is requested by the National Church first, and then adjust the rest of the budget accordingly. The resolution passed without dissent.

What a stunning contrast here. In Dallas, providing financial support to the National Church is simply not a concern for the diocese. In Fort Worth, the continuing diocese has experienced a difficult financial situation caused by their ex-bishop abandoning them. Incredibly, Fort Worth is now financially self-sufficient and does not require outside assistance but by no means has money to spare. Yet we see the tremendous witness of the diocese with financial hardships gladly and willingly paying its fair share to the Episcopal Church.

At the end of the Fort Worth convention, Bishop C. Wallis Ohl, retired Bishop of Northwest Texas, was elected as the new Provisional Bishop. In his speech to the convention, Bishop Ohl made the following points:

• He intends to be bishop of all
• He believes we can disagree without being disagreeable
• He is excited about the priorities of the diocese
• He quoted Archbishop Ramsey – “The Church that lives to itself dies by itself”.
• We are going to have FUN!

Dallas clearly has other priorities. Bishop Stanton said he would call a special convention in the spring to vote on the covenant and to consider resolutions not covered at the October convention. This is not just about “conservative” versus “progressive”. This is about the importance of and need for the Episcopal Church. In the three speeches given at the Dallas convention the message is clear that The Episcopal Church is truly unimportant both legally and spiritually. In Fort Worth, God is thanked for the wonderful gift of The Episcopal Church.

Though I did my duty as a delegate at the Dallas Convention I gained little other than depression and frustration. In Fort Worth, however, I saw the Church literally being re-born and renewed as faithful Episcopalians joyously celebrated their community, their mission, their faith, and their calling.

May it be one day so in Dallas.