Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Litigation March goes on: The Episcopal Church files more lawsuits

They haven't actually been served yet, apparently, but Katharine Jefferts Schori - through her "shadow diocese" set up precisely for this litigious purpose in Ft. Worth, Texas - has filed yet another lawsuit. The Diocese of Ft. Worth is being sued for voting to separate from The Episcopal Church and join the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone. Expect the papers to be served to the leadership of the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth tomorrow. This could be at least the 58th Lawsuit filed by The Episcopal Church against bishops, clergy, and laity who have voted overwhelmingly to move to another Anglican province.

Here is Katharine Jefferts Schori's statement on her lawsuit against the people and clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth:

The Episcopal Church, with the *Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and the *Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, filed in court today for a declaratory judgment as the rightful owners of all diocesan property, real and personal, including funds and endowments. We feel sorrow that the former diocesan leaders took such actions that led us to this time. However, this is a necessary step in order for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, comprised of Episcopalians of the full theological spectrum, to continue its gospel work in Texas. In other court venues, the courts have ruled in favor of the Episcopal Church and we anticipate a favorable outcome in this case and to a continuation of The Episcopal Church's mission priorities.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori,
Presiding Bishop, the Episcopal Church


*Entities created by the Presiding Bishop's office following the overwhelming vote by the Episcopal Diocese of Ft. Worth to leave The Episcopal Church. However, dioceses are canonically formed to petition General Convention for membership (they are not handpicked and formed by the Presiding Bishop herself, which is why the Communion Partners released this), but according to an 815 litigious "roach motel" strategy, dioceses may check in but they may never check out.



UPDATE: Get thee hence to Anglican Curmudgeon and read his most excellent commentary. Following the comments on our post here, we offer this inspiring music to read by and a shout-out to the Gang in the New York:

6 comments:

Jill C. said...

We shall see! Let her bring it on. I think the time may be right, with TEA parties springing up, Gov. Perry supporting states' rights legislation, for "Toots" (as my favorite Anglican Calvinist in the real Dio. of Ft. Worth calls her) and 815 to get the Ft. Worth Cowboy boot -- right in the backside!

Anam Cara said...

"this is a necessary step in order for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, comprised of Episcopalians of the full theological spectrum"

Full theological spectrum.

Indeed.

I've not heard anything about Ft. Worth, but certainly TEC holds a full spectrum that seems to include Muslims, Buddhist, and Hindu
(http://inchatatime.blogspot.com/2008/01/on-episcopal-hindu-hoo-rah.html)

and who knows what else (Mormans, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Druids? It's only a matter of time....)

Perpetua said...

"We feel sorrow that the former diocesan leaders took such actions that led us to this time."

This is the most obnoxious line for me. It seems "humble" on the most superficial level, because it expresses "sorrow" and we normally associate that with the the "Confession of Sin". But it is blaming others for the actions being taken. It is really quite arrogant.

See Peter Ould's How To Say Sorry Properly

Anglican with his collar on backwards said...

Perhaps it's time to rename 815 at a Cathedral? "Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Litigation."

Dale Matson said...

Actually it is not the roach motel strategy. It is the Hotel California strategy. You can check out any time you like but you can never leave

Dale Matson said...

The Eagles played in Fresno a couple of years ago. Wow! they are better than ever and what talent across the board. It's good to see Joe Walsh clean and sober. By the way as someone from the Midwest, this song is absolutely true. You don't have to be born in California but it's important to get here as soon as possible.