The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr., issued this letter after the Friday, February, 20, 2015, hearing in the 141st District Court, Tarrant County.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
In August 2013, you may remember, the Texas Supreme Court returned our case to the 141st District Court, Tarrant County, to be tried on different principles than in the previous hearing. Our hearing before the Honorable Judge John P. Chupp on both sides’ motions for partial summary judgment was today. I was there, as were several other Episcopalians.
The Court held a one-and-a-half hour hearing and listened to arguments from both sides. The Court then asked both sides to submit proposed orders and took the matter under advisement.
What happens now? While we await Judge Chupp’s decision, we will continue to do what God has called us to do, Christ’s ministry and mission in these 24 counties of North Texas. Let me remind you of what a good job we are doing!
We are growing and expanding. Recently, several of our congregations offered “ashes to go,” taking Ash Wednesday out into our busy world. A group of Episcopalians in Wise County is exploring forming a new worshiping community in the northern part of the diocese. In the southern part of the diocese, the Rev. Curt Norman in Stephenville is hosting a Lutheran congregation, Common Grace, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. St. Luke’s also is feeding hundreds of Tarleton State University students each Thursday with food for their bodies and their souls. All through the diocese we have congregations who have called new priests. A refreshing new energy that will lead to growth is apparent. We have paid the full asking of The Episcopal Church for the sixth year in a row. We are healthy and well-equipped to do what we do best, welcoming all to experience God’s love.
You can read more about ministry in this diocese here.
So, with your hearts planted firmly in the love of Jesus Christ, and your hands busy doing the work of the Church, I urge you to look forward with confidence, as I do. Blessings to you all.
Faithfully in Christ,
Rayford B. High, Jr.
Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth