FW Diocese Alive and Well

Following last November’s diocesan convention, I wrote that the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth continued to exist with numbers stronger than most people realized. That was a bit of an understatement, as anyone who attended this afternoon’s diocesan Special Meeting can attest.

There were 55 congregations in the Fort Worth Diocese prior to the split. 31 of those congregations were represented today. The delegates enthusiastically elected the Rt. Rev. Ted Gulick to serve as Provisional Bishop. Fort Worth Episcopalians warmly received Bishop Gulick, and it is safe to say he made a positive first impression.

The overflow crowd also exhibited much gratitude for the Presiding Bishop and the Diocese of Kentucky, which has agreed to share Bishop Gulick with Fort Worth for a few months.

Delegates also approved a diocesan budget, elected a standing committee and delegates to General Convention, and adopted several resolutions. It was evident that many people put in more than a few hours preparing for this day.

In short, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is alive and well. Challenges lie ahead to be sure, but Fort Worth Episcopalians have now demonstrated the ability to face such challenges with prayerful determination. I didn’t sense any dread about the future.

Everywhere I looked today, I saw smiling faces. People were greeting old friends and making new ones. It sounds clichéd, but the excitement was truly palpable. It was a marvelous afternoon at Trinity Church, and a great day for Fort Worth Episcopalians.