FT. WORTH: Lawsuit served on the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth

April 23, 2009
http://www.fwepiscopal.org/news/lawsuit.html

Papers naming Bishop Iker and the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth in a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgement were served today at the Diocesan Center for Ministry. The suit was filed Tuesday, April 14, by representatives of a rival diocese formed under the auspices of The Episcopal Church. Also party to the suit is The Episcopal Church (that is, the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society) itself.

The local plaintiffs are members of two Fort Worth parishes: All Saints' and Trinity. Elected to fill supposed vacancies in the diocesan Corporation, they are Robert M. Bass, Dr. Trace Worrell (both of All Saints'), Cherie Shipp, Fr. James Hazel, and Fr. John Stanley (all of Trinity). Also among those filing suit is the Rt. Rev. Edwin Gulick, Episcopal Bishop of Kentucky, who was named provisional bishop of the new TEC diocese.

The suit was filed late on the afternoon of the 14th, and a copy of the 22-page filing was immediately posted on the Internet. Word reached the diocese after business hours when a reporter from the Episcopal News Service contacted the diocesan communications officer to deliver the news and seek immediate comment. Other members of the media had also been informed by representatives of the plaintiffs. The suit names Bishop Iker, the diocese, and the five lay trustees of the Corporation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth as defendants. The trustees received notice of the suit by certified mail.

Attorneys named for the plaintiffs are Jonathan Nelson, Kathleen Wells, Sandra Liser, David Booth Beers, and Heather Anderson.

The suit seeks to replace the leadership of the diocese and gain control of its property and assets.

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Bishop Iker responds to news reports of a lawsuit against the Diocese and Corporation

Word of a legal filing against the Diocese and the trustees of its Corporation was conveyed after close of business on Tuesday, April 14, by news reporters seeking comment. The following day Bishop Iker sent this brief message from London, where he was in meetings with the GAFCON Primates and leaders of the Anglican partnership that will soon form a new Province in North America.

We are neither surprised nor alarmed by the lawsuit brought against the diocese on Tuesday. Our attorneys are reviewing the allegations and will be advising me on how to respond.

We are confident that we followed the proper legislative process in amending our Constitution and Canons and are prepared to make our case in court if necessary.

Your patience and prayers will be much appreciated as this process unfolds.

blessed and joyous Eastertide to all of you.

Bishop Iker