Frequently Asked Questions
as we work towards the reunification process
WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN AND IS THIS CONFIDENTIAL?
What does it mean that The Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the Episcopal Church in North Texas are working toward the process of being reunited?
It means that the Diocese of Texas is reuniting with a body of God’s people who are part of a mission territory that was once within the Diocese of Texas. This is why we are calling it a reunion. When the Diocese of Texas was founded in 1838, it included the entire state. Later, in 1874, it began to form into mission territories and eventually evolved into the structure we have today.
Is this information confidential?
By now, many of you probably know that this is not a confidential matter. During the week of April 18, 2022, both bishops held meetings with their clergy, a joint statement was released to media, and pastoral letters were shared with parishioners. Additionally, announcements have been disseminated to groups across both the Diocese of Texas and North Texas that we are working towards a reunification process. So, again, this information is not confidential.
WHAT DO WE DO AND HOW DO WE ANSWER QUESTIONS?
What should Clergy do?
Clergy within the Diocese of Texas should please begin having conversations with your Council Delegates and vestries, and this is why: The Episcopal Diocese of Texas Standing Committee has already voted to proceed with the reunification process. The Executive Board and Executive Team have also voted to continue with conversations to move toward reunification. The Episcopal Church in North Texas will be holding a Council meeting on (or close to) June 13, 2022, to vote. At some time that same week, the Diocese of Texas will hold a special meeting of Diocesan Council, with one agenda item: to address the articles of reunion. This meeting will be hosted online and held in the evening. The exact date has not been determined at this time. Prior to this meeting, however, the Diocese of Texas will hold additional meetings similar to Pre-Council meetings. This way, delegates can get all of their questions answered. This is why it is important for clergy within the Diocese of Texas to be in conversation with Council Delegates and vestries
How do we have this conversation with our parishioners or others who may have questions?
By now, many parishioners across the Diocese are aware of this development. Answer the questions that you can. You should also visit, and direct others to visit, www.reunion2022.org for more information. It is already a great resource for questions many people may have, and as more details become available, this online resource will be an updated repository, and should prove to be informative for those who have an interest in this matter. Additional questions can be directed to Canon Paul at mpaul@epicenter.org.
If we receive calls from media, what do we do?
If you are contacted by members of the media, you do not need to comment. Please direct them to Tammy Lanier, Director of Communications at the Episcopal Diocese of Texas at tlanier@epicenter.org.
ABOUT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH TEXAS
What can you tell me about the Episcopal Church of North Texas?
Geographically, the area of the Episcopal Church in North Texas is contiguous with the Diocese of Texas starting with the counties just north of Lampasas, Coryell, and McLennan counties, and going north up to the Oklahoma border between Wichita and Cooke counties, encompassing 25 counties.
It was formerly known as the Diocese of Fort Worth. Currently, there are fourteen (14) full-time clergy, fifteen (15) congregations, and a number of part-time clergy. While ASA numbers are currently unknown, we will share a list of their churches along with members of their clergy soon.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN NORTH TEXAS AFTER REUNIFICATION?
It will cease to exist as a diocese. The Standing Committee, Executive Council, and Corporation will dissolve, as will all other diocesan bodies. All congregations will be transferred to the Diocese of Texas. All active and retired clergy canonically resident in ECNTX will become canonically resident in the Diocese of Texas. All diocesan administration of records, finances, clergy insurance, etc., will be handled by the Diocese of Texas. ECNTX will become the North Region of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, with the Fort Worth Convocation. Prior to reunification, EDOT had three Regions, East, South, and West. An office for North Region will be established in Fort Worth with a small staff. As a Region, ECNTX identity remains the same: a transforming force in The Episcopal Church, advocating and practicing full inclusion and welcoming all.
WHAT IS THE FORT WORTH CONVOCATION?
A larger geographical entity within the Diocese of Texas is called a convocation. It is geographic and usually includes one metropolitan area with surrounding counties. The Diocese of Texas has ten convocations, the head of which, nominated by the bishop and elected by council, is called the dean. The dean arranges meetings of the convocational clergy to provide fellowship, continuing education, communication, planning and moral support for clergy and their families and to gather lay members to share ideas and projects. Deans are ex-officio members of the Executive Board of the Diocese.
Bishop Mayer will assist in appointing a dean of the Fort Worth Convocation. This dean will work with the other deans of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas to convene clergy and assist with communication to the clergy. The dean will be invited to represent the clericus at the December Executive Board Meeting with the other deans. The dean may attend whenever possible. This will facilitate representation and participation in the emerging common life in the Diocese of Texas.
WILL THE NORTH REGION HAVE ITS OWN BISHOP?
Yes, Bishop Scott Mayer will remain as a Bishop Assistant to Bishop Diocesan Doyle (and will also remain Bishop Diocesan of Northwest Texas) for the immediate future. Each Region of the Diocese of Texas has a bishop, with Bishop Suffragan Jeff Fisher in the East Region, Bishop Suffragan Kai Ryan in the West Region, and Bishop Assistant Hector Monterroso in the South Region.
The canons of the Episcopal Church allow only for two suffragan bishops per diocese. Bishop Suffragans are elected by the entire diocese at a meeting of the Diocesan Council (convention). Bishop Assistants are appointed by the Bishop Diocesan.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH TEXAS STAFF?
All ECNTX staff will be offered a one-year contract as staff of EDOT.
LITIGATION, ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:
Does the Episcopal Church of North Texas have any outstanding legal issues?
Yes, and all but three cases of litigation have been resolved.
• One is regarding a fund that was created at the very beginning which would have no effect on the Diocese of Texas.
• The second involves a bequest that was made after the ACNA churches left, and we hope for that to end to the benefit of North Texas.
• The third case is a bankruptcy that would have no effect on the Diocese of Texas. We would not be vulnerable as a result of any of these cases, regardless of the outcome. Our assets would not be jeopardized by a reunion.
Would the Episcopal Church of North Texas’ assets and liabilities become those of the Diocese of Texas?
The Episcopal Church in North Texas has no assets and very few liabilities. Some churches are properties, held in trust(s), by members of congregations. Others have lease (or similar) agreements. They have no outstanding debt.
Do they have a cathedral?
No, the Episcopal Church of North Texas does not have a cathedral.
WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN TO MAKE THIS OFFICIAL, AND WHEN? WHAT ABOUT GENERAL CONVENTION AND WOULD IT REQUIRE A VOTE AT GENERAL CONVENTION?
When would this be official? What’s the timeline?
We expect the initial stages of the process to be complete by the end of June.
What about General Convention?
North Texas will attend General Convention as a separate entity, and reunion would proceed after General Convention.
Does this need to be voted on at General Convention?
Yes, because the votes of both the Episcopal Church in North Texas and The Episcopal Diocese of Texas are happening within 90 days of General Convention, then it is necessary to be approved at General Convention. NOTE: Throughout this process, the presiding bishop’s office has been assisting with these conversations.
ABOUT THE DIOCESE OF TEXAS: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? WHAT WILL IT “LOOK LIKE” AND DOES THE DIOCESE OF TEXAS HAVE THE BANDWIDTH TO HANDLE THIS?
What would be the logistics once the reunification is complete?
Nothing would change immediately. We would have to determine new and different ways to do our work as we continue church planting and growing. These are all changes that are slowly happening anyway.
Can the Diocese of Texas handle such a large geographic area?
The Diocese of Texas has resources and a regional bishop structure that allow for coverage in a positive way over a large geographic area such as this – and we have a vision for that area.
Would this increase staff workload within the Diocese of Texas?
Yes, but that is already happening as we grow and start missional communities and plant churches in new communities. Obviously, the Diocese of Texas would begin exploring church planting opportunities in the North Texas area.
Would the Diocese of Texas remain headquartered in Houston?
Yes, the Bishop of Texas and his staff would remain headquartered in Houston although there would be plans to establish a regional office in Fort Worth. Because North Texas currently has a small staff and budget, then it is well within the Diocese of Texas’ capacity to do so.
How would this affect the boards and foundations of the Diocese of Texas?
Bishop Doyle will be meeting with those officials to ascertain and answer their questions. At this point, very few people have been in the discussion, but we know that groups like the Episcopal Health Foundation are excited about the possibility to expend their resources and efforts into North Texas.
This will cause some changes to the Diocese of Texas foundations because they would begin to share resources with additional churches, but they already share resources throughout the current Diocese. It would not be incapacitating in any way with only fourteen (14) additional churches.
Once the Diocese of Texas learns more about the Episcopal Church in North Texas, that information will be shared. Information will be made available about the Episcopal Church in North Texas’ financial resources soon, and the Diocese of Texas would be able to help them move to sustainability rather quickly. The Diocese of Texas currently has access to funds that can assist them, in addition to strategic mission grants that aren’t always taken advantage of, but could be utilized, if necessary.
WHAT ARE THE ECNTX CONGREGATIONS THAT WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO THE DIOCESE OF TEXAS?
Arlington
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church - https://www.saintalbansarlington.org/
Decatur
Church of the Resurrection - http://www.wisecountychurch.org/
Fort Worth
All Saints’ Episcopal Church - https://www.asecfw.org/
St. Christopher Episcopal Church - www.stchrisfw.org
St. Luke’s in the Meadow Episcopal Church - www.stlukesfw.org
Trinity Episcopal Church - www.fortworthtrinity.org
Granbury
Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd - www.goodshepherdgranbury.org
Hamilton
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church - https://stmaryhamilton.business.site/
Hillsboro
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church - https://stmaryshillsborotx.org/
Hurst
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church - https://www.ssechurst.org/
Keller/Southlake
St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church - https://www.stmartininthefields.org/
Stephenville
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church - https://www.stlukesstephenville.org/
Wichita Falls
Episcopal Church of Wichita Falls - http://www.faithlutheranwf.com/
HOW WOULD THE CULTURES FUSE? GIVEN THEIR PROXIMITY, DID THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF NORTH TEXAS EVER CONSIDER A CLOSER DIOCESE?
Because of North Texas’ proximity, would either of the following dioceses have been an easier transition for them: Diocese of Dallas or Diocese of Northwest Texas?
After considering all options and possibilities, and given varying philosophies, the best option is for them to reunite with the Diocese of Texas.
Would the North Texas culture match the Diocese of Texas culture?
North Texas has already gone through some cultural shifts. The Bishop of Texas has been candid about who we are and how we do things. Although, as the Diocese of Texas currently stands as one diocese, it is important to remember that the Diocese of Texas is not one culture. So much in common is shared, but there are differences within the Diocese, too. So, the Diocese is accustomed to understanding and embracing regional differences, and this experience would be no exception. The Episcopal Church in North Texas would be a new region for the Diocese of Texas to receive.
CHALLENGES AROUND GOVERNANCE AND COMING TOGETHER: WHAT WOULD NORTH TEXAS BE? WOULD WE HAVE ANOTHER BISHOP?
What would be our new challenges in terms of governance and meeting physically?
Keep in mind that many within the Diocese of Texas already travel more than five hours for Diocesan Council and for other meetings. Now, the Diocese of Texas will add Fort Worth to the Diocesan Council meeting rotation. In time, this would move us all towards better governance as we determine the best way to grow. For instance, moving to online meetings could allow people to participate all over the Diocese and would help alleviate many challenges.
For now, the Diocese of Texas would need to focus on including their representation. The biggest challenge would be to share leadership since North Texas members have not participated in the elections of the Diocese of Texas current leadership. Together, with North Texas, the Diocese of Texas would need to explore ways to receive North Texas’ leadership with seat and voice in the immediate future. The Diocese of Texas recognizes the importance of involving the whole diocese, including North Texas, in the election process as soon as is reasonable.
Would North Texas become its own region?
For now, we would consider North Texas to be its own region. It would remain its own clericus and convocation. At this point, we don’t know what we would call it, or if it would affect any of the other convocations.
Would we be getting a fifth bishop?
Eventually, yes, we would add an additional bishop. In the interim, Bishop Mayer would continue to assist in the same manner as he is now. Bishop Doyle would become the Bishop Diocesan over North Texas in June, once the voting is complete. At some point in the foreseeable future, we would have a regional bishop based in Fort Worth. A diocese is only allowed to have two suffragan bishops total, so this bishop would also be appointed - very much like Bishop Monterroso.
WHAT ABOUT VISITATIONS?
What does this mean for bishop visitations to churches? Would the numbers increase?
Yes, this would extend the number of churches Bishop Doyle would need to visit. The same applies to the other bishops; however, with our goal of planting fifteen (15) new churches over the next five (5) years, the need to increase visitations was going to happen anyway. These churches would be added to the visitation schedule for 2023. Bishop Doyle and our other bishops are not concerned about visitations because they love spending time with congregations.
ENSURING CONTINUITY IN COMMUNICATIONS:
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE ECNTX WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA SITES, AND OTHER MEDIA PLATFORMS?
Texas Director of Communications Tammy Lanier and the Episcopal Church of North Texas Contract Communication Director Katie Sherrod are working together on communications related to reunification transition, coordinating news releases, managing news outlet inquiries, and managing the runup to Session II of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Council and the Episcopal Church of North Texas Diocesan Convention. The authoritative source of information regarding the reunion is reunion2022.org. Currently, it is linked to both ecntx.org and epicenter.org.
Beginning with General Convention’s approval of the reunion, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas website, epicenter.org will serve as the hub for all communications for the North Region, as it already is for the Diocese of Texas. Katie Sherrod will work with and report to Tammy Lanier.
The ecntx.org website will become the website of the North Region, with appropriate redesign reflecting EDOT branding. Current content will be utilized and/or archived, as appropriate. All existing ECNTX social media will transition to a regional focus, reflecting content of epicenter.org, especially as it relates to the North Region. This shift in branding and focus includes the following platforms within the Episcopal Church of North Texas:
The Common Purpose quarterly print newsletter will undergo transition and possibly cease publication. The evangelism campaign “God Loves All” and website godlovesall.info will undergo transition. Subscribers who subscribe to news from the Episcopal Church of North Texas will be transitioned, with their permission, to Episcopal Diocese of Texas push communications. The North Region and Diocese of Texas Communications teams will assist congregations with necessary rebranding.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS…
• Would this reunion make the Diocese of Texas the largest diocese overall?
We already are the largest in a number of areas, but not in church numbers; however, by having this reunion, we would have the third largest metropolitan and fastest-growing areas in one diocese.
• Are there any downsides to this reunion?
Currently, we know of no downsides to this reunion. In fact, Bishop Doyle feels that this reunion could only add to our mission by providing more opportunities for evangelism and to serve others. It also correlates with our desire to continue to grow.
• What can the Diocese of Texas clergy and parishioners do to make the Episcopal Church in North Texas clergy and parishioners feel welcome during the process of working towards reunification?
In May, Bishop Doyle will be meeting with North Texas and would begin to work through the details to determine a path forward. Both are already considering clergy spouse network ideas and other partnerships. This will become clearer over the next few months as the process is finalized.
• Will other reunifications occur?
Other dioceses have done this before. Chicago is one that has already completed the process of a reunification and Wisconsin is currently in the process. Our documents and processes are being modeled after those. In Bishop Doyle’s opinion, this is the future of the church, and reunifications of this kind will become common; however, he does not foresee other dioceses in Texas coming back to the Diocese of Texas.
IN SUMMARY
This reunification would be the best use of resources to promote the ministry of the Gospel in our regions. It would be a learning process, and while we would make mistakes, we could be a model for sorting out the positive ways to reunify in the future. Please continue to pray for Bishop Doyle, Bishop Mayer, our diocesan leaders, and the Episcopal Church in North Texas as we reunite. Please also send your prayers to the Anglican Church in North America.
RESOURCES
Clergy and media should contact the individuals listed below for questions not addressed or for additional information:
Clergy-
The Rev. Canon Marcea Paul
Chief of Staff
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas
e: mpaul@epicenter.org
p: 832.726.8649
Media-
Tammy Lanier
Director of Communications
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas
e: tlanier@epicenter.org
c: 281-543-7845