Religion
TX court favors breakaway group in Episcopal Church Fort Worth-area property dispute
One group calling itself the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth has won a decisive legal battle in a fight over which religious organization has control of church property.
But whether the war is over between these two religious organizations, both of which claim the title of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, is still being decided.
Both groups seek ownership of about $100 million in church property in a 24-county area.
The Supreme Court of Texas reversed an earlier 2018 appeals court ruling which sided with the group that has remained loyal to the national church, led by Scott Mayer, provisional bishop of Fort Worth.
In an opinion issued Friday, the state Supreme Court held that the resolution of the property dispute between the two church groups does not require consideration of an ecclesiastical question, that under the governing documents, the withdrawing church faction is the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, and that the original trial court properly ruled in the withdrawing faction’s favor.
“We therefore reverse the court of appeals’ contrary judgment,” the Supreme Court opinion states.
The Supreme Court opinion favors the breakaway group that was led by Bishop Jack Iker. In 2008, Iker and most of the 56 churches that were then in the Fort Worth diocese split with the national church over several issues, including the debate concerning the ordination of gay and lesbian ministers.
Iker’s group now is a member of the Anglican Church in North America. It’s now led by Bishop Ryan Reed, following Iker’s retirement, according to the diocese’s website.
“Today we rejoice that the Supreme Court of Texas has issued a unanimous decision in our favor concerning the suit first brought against the Diocese and Corporation more than 11 years ago,” an emailed statement from the prevailing group said. “After considering our Petition for Review of the 2018 opinion issued by the Second Court of Appeals, the high Court has granted all the relief requested.”
Church leadership and attorneys for the group that the Supreme Court opinion went against are reviewing the opinion but had not come to a decision Friday on whether to pursue further legal action, said Katie Sherrod, spokeswoman.
In a statement and a letter addressing the Supreme Court’s opinion, Mayer and other church leadership expressed sadness and disappointment about the ruling.
“Now I, other diocesan leaders, and our legal team have to make decisions about our next steps,” Mayer’s letter said. “For now, we all must don the mantle of patience and forbearance. I ask for your prayers and urge us all to stay focused on the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and on our mission and ministries in the days ahead.
“I remain convinced that we are right in our affirmation that we are the continuing Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth and that I am its bishop.”
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