Continuing FW Diocese Asks Iker to Return Property

Remember this demand? Well, Kathleen Wells, Chancellor for the continuing Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, has now sent a letter to Bishop Iker’s attorneys requesting, among other things, that the bishop and his followers “cease using the name of and claiming authority under the ‘Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth’ and each of its congregations[.]” Bishop Iker still bizarrely claims to be leading the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, even though he has left the Episcopal Church. (Bishop Iker appears to be deliberately sowing confusion, perhaps in an attempt to strengthen his legal position.)

But the Chancellor’s letter contains more.

On behalf of Bishop Gulick, the Diocese, and the Corporation, I respectfully request that Bishop Iker and those working with him or otherwise claiming authority from him take no action inconsistent with the reorganization of the continuing Diocese or with the continuing interest of the Episcopal Church in church property of the Diocese and its congregations. In addition I ask that they preserve and protect all funds, records, and other real and personal property of the Diocese and its congregations currently under their control. Finally, I ask that they cooperate with us to effect an orderly transfer of the possession and control of that church property to the proper officials in the continuing Diocese and its congregations.

This letter is a prelude to a lawsuit. Bishop Iker, of course, will not transfer possession and control of the disputed church property to the continuing Diocese. But now an official request has been made. He has been given a chance to do the right thing.

h/t to The Lead. You can read a copy of the letter here(pdf).