On February 7, 2009, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori called a special meeting of the convention of the diocese to order at Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Worth. The goal: the election of a bishop and the reorganization of the diocese after the bishop and other officials left The Episcopal Church to form new churches outside The Episcopal Church. As we celebrate the resurrection and continued growth of the diocese, we continue to patiently await a decision from the Second Court of Appeals in Fort Worth in the pending litigation.
Below is the story from the website recapping that day.
Recap of Special Meeting, held on Saturday, February 7
The day began and ended in joyous worship, as delegates to the Special Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, called to order by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, elected the Rt. Rev. Edwin F. “Ted” Gulick, Jr. to be our provisional bishop. Bp. Gulick was immediately installed and began presiding over the convention.
Other business conducted by the delegates attending the meeting included election of a Standing Committee, Deputies to General convention, and Trustees for the Corporation.
More than 450 people attended the convention. The Opening Eucharist at All Saints’ Episcopal Church was a joy-filled celebration of new life in the sanctuary filled with gorgeous flowers, beautiful music and smiling people crying tears of joy. The Evensong that followed convention began with a procession that included acolytes from several parishes, many carrying just-completed parish banners. A diocesan choir filled the sanctuary with glorious music.
The presiding bishop then blessed the new garden, chapel, Family Life Center and kitchen at St. Christopher Episcopal Church before greeting the lines of people waiting to meet her. As Bp. Gulick said, the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth is open for business!