By SUE SEIBERT
Many of you, over the past year, have asked what is going on with our church and, in some cases as with First Presbyterian, you have offered to help us in whatever way you can. We at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church appreciate your concern and interest, and I thought that since we have just held the 30th annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, I would highlight what we know thus far.
Thirty years ago our diocese was formed from the western part of the Diocese of Dallas. Then only a few years ago our diocese left the Episcopal Church of North America, TEC, over differences in beliefs. TEC has stated that Christ is not the only way to salvation and, further, they do not believe that the Bible contains all things necessary for salvation. Well, we believe both.
So, as soon as we voted to leave TEC, they began a lawsuit, as they have with five other dioceses in America, to secure our money and buildings for themselves. We, on the other hand, allowed any church in the diocese to stay with TEC if a majority of the members wanted to do so.
Now our battle has been taken to the Texas Supreme Court, where oral arguments were presented on Oct. 16, and we are waiting for a judgment which will come, we hope, sometime before May 31.
As we wanted to stay a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the Province of the South Cone in South America, is sheltering us at the time. We are very thankful for their assistance.
What will happen if the Texas Supreme Court finds against us? Well, we will lose our property and our money, but we will not lose our church, for we are the church, and we will continue to be the church with or without the property. We pray that God will guide and protect the justices of the Supreme Court, but mostly we pray that God’s will will be done for all. That is really all we can ask for.
We who have left TEC are striving to continue to be firm in our faith, and our mission is to equip the saints for the work of ministry.
It means a great deal that many of you have and are continuing to pray for us and that you have offered us a place to worship should we need it.
I hope I have answered some of your questions, but if you have others, please let me know.
God bless us, everyone!
Sue Seibert is an author, columnist, genealogist and a frequent contributor to the Index and its publications.
Reflections
Contact Sue
Contact Index contributing columnist
Sue Seibert at sue_seibert@att.net.
The Index welcomes comments. Inappropriate language or comments outside our standards will be removed.
Reflections on our church
- Reflections
-
-
Reflections... on Another Beautiful Day
Wow! Can you believe it? Another perfect spring weekend!
-
reflections. . .
As many of you are aware, Raf and I celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary on May 5 –Cinco de Mayo.
-
Reflections - of a tour...
I don’t know where you were a week ago Saturday, but we were all over Palo Pinto County. And we had a ball! We went to Palo Pinto County on Tour.
-
Reflections
I know I have mentioned Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) on more than one occasion, but here I go again.
-
Reflections on local attractions we don’t know about
Last weekend, along with our friends, Jim and Louise, we went down to Coffee Creek RV Park to attend the “Sisters on the Fly” camp out, with their displays of various campers that were hand painted and decorated. If you’re interested in photos, go to my blog at http://siouxsue.blogspot.com.
-
Reflections
Our daughter, Carolyn, suggested that I might write about our Turtle. So, here goes.
-
Reflections on Keeping a Diary
Many of you knew my mother, Rose Ficke Sparks. In fact quite a few of you were taught by her, either at the old junior high that used to be the first high school or at Houston Elementary School.
-
Reflections on Patience
I had a person whom I don’t know well at all tell me what an impatient person I am. My goodness, I didn’t realize it showed so much to those who do not know me very well; but, of course, she is right. I am. They say patience is a virtue. It is, but, sadly, it isn’t one of mine.
-
Reflections on My Bible
Recently a friend of mine and her husband drove to New Hampshire to purchase a summer home. Sunday came and, as they had seen an Anglican church close by, they decided to attend. Instead, they ended up going to a Bible church down the street. As they drove up to the church, she turned to her husband and said, “I surely hope they believe in the same Bible we do!”
-
Reflections on Our Community
There have been several things that have come to mind over the last little bit that I have failed to mention, so I thought I would sort of organize them all into one column.
- More Reflections Headlines
-
Reflections... on Another Beautiful Day
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
