Forth Worth Commission Questions Women's Ordination Canon

March 7, 1996 Forth Worth Commission Questions Women's Ordination Canon 96-1409U

Episcopal News Service

(ENS) The commission on ministry of the diocese of Fort Worth recently sent a letter to Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning stating that it was "alarmed and dismayed at the proposed canonical changes to the canons on ministry." The changes endorsed by both the House of Bishops and the Executive Council, would require all dioceses to allow the ordination of women and the licensing of women priests from other dioceses. Complaining that alternative plans presented by Bishop Jack Iker of Forth Worth had been ignored, the commission argued that it was being called upon "to surrender our 'theologically recognized position' and accede to unjust ultimatums." The commission emphasized that it did not voluntarily seek to leave the Episcopal Church, but felt they must follow "the directives of Scriptures as the Church has universally understood them and we must resist any unjust requirements. We therefore strongly object to the proposed changes to the ministry canons. If they are passed, the Commission on Ministry of the Diocese of Fort Worth cannot obey them."