Keep the prayers coming!

Episcopalians gathered in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth this weekend. There was encouragement. But there is so much that lies ahead. Here is a quick report form a comment thread at Fr. Jake's.

Thanks for asking how it went in Fort Worth. It's been great!

Just a quick report because it's late and I've got annual meeting tomorrow. Tom Woodward+, recently of Salinas (El Camino Real), now retired (but very busy) in Santa Fe, came to Fort Worth early Friday morning and visited with Bp Iker. Fort Worth Via Media members drove him to Wichita Falls (125 miles) where about 55 folks from 3 churches and at least 1 mission met at the First Christian Church. He talked for an hour and then had a rousing Q&A session. He's just so knowledgeable, pastoral, inspiring and even funny! We are feeling empowered in a new way here.

Saturday there were about 112 present (12 or more parishes) in a science lecture hall at TCU (free) to hear a variation of the same presentation. Again, we dare to feel hope that we can make good come of all this.

Those attending also included some clergy, Bp Sam Hulsey (a native of Fort Worth and recently Bp of NW Texas) and Suzanne Gill, the Director of Communications for the Diocese. She also attended our Bonnie Anderson day in September and used a tape recorder. After the meeting, our president George Komechak offered to give her a copy of the video, telling her we have nothing to hide. The Bp is always invited to our events. He declines the invitations and then criticizes Via Media openly afterwards.

We thank all of you at Jake's and especially you, Fr. Jake, for holding us up in prayer and for getting tuned in to our situation. You have certainly taken us to a wide and concerned audience and we needed that!

Blessings to all,
Kelly

You may follow developments at Jake's place here and here and here and here.

Katie Sherrod stands up and speaks out at her blog, Desert's Child.

And don't forget to stay informed through Fort Worth Via Media.

These folks have truly lived in a wilderness, cut off from the outside world and formed solely withing Jack Iker's idiosyncratic and autocratic world view. That some have firmly remained loyal to the Episcopal Church is a sign of amazing grace and perseverance. They need your prayers, your love, your support, and your encouragement.

"What can I do?" you ask. Click here.

For the unity of the church:

O God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions; take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatever else may hinder us from godly union and concord; that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may all be of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BCP, page 818

--the BB