a Province where we are not always under attack and on the defensive.”

At least five parishes in the Diocese of Fort Worth are resisting the move to secede. These include All Saints’, Trinity, St. Christopher’s, and St. Martin’s-in-the-Field, all in Fort Worth, and St. Luke’s in Stephenville.

Outside of these churches, opposition is scattered, stronger in some parishes than in others. Describing the situation at her own church in Wichita Falls, Ann Coleman says, “I'm aware of the intention of only five members to remain Episcopalians, all of us retirees.” Of these, she adds, three are in their eighties or nineties.

Because some of those who oppose withdrawing from ECUSA are reluctant to speak out, their number is hard to measure. Nonetheless, Lynne Minor says, “We’re estimating that we have about 8,000 faithful.”

Many of these individuals are active in one of several advocacy groups that were formed in the wake of Bishop Iker’s initial call to leave the Episcopal Church. Among these are Fort Worth Via Media, North Texans Remain Episcopal, Remain Episcopal of Granbury, Integrity Fort Worth, and, most recently created, Steadfast Episcopalians, a group that represents more conservative Episcopalians.

Acting as an umbrella organization for all of these is the Steering Committee North Texas Episcopalians. It has been the Committee’s task to meet with the Chancellor of the Episcopal Church and to network with other national leaders. Once the Diocese of Fort Worth votes
to leave ECUSA, the Committee will begin the work of reorganization. Already, it has been using its website to answer questions ranging from “Who really owns

Episcopal Church property?” to “How can I start a Faith Community?” As the website explains, “Faith Communities provide a way to gather people who know they want to remain Episcopalians and those still trying to decide in a nurturing and supportive community. . . . Gathering together now in a faith community is a positive step toward our future life together as the continuing Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth.”

Other resources found on the Steering Committee website are a detailed Parish Reorganization Readiness Plan, a punch list created by members of Remain Episcopal Good Shepherd, and information on a workshop entitled "How to run an Altar Guild from the Trunk of Your Car."

The Steering Committee anticipates calling a special meeting of the newly constituted Diocesan Council in April. “There will be at least two people from every parish that wants to stay Episcopalian,” Lynne Minor explains, noting that the Committee will work to ensure that it includes a “cross-section from very liberal to very conservative.” One task of the Council will be to nominate a provisional bishop, who will be voted on by the House of Bishops when it meets next June.

In the interim, Minor says, there will be “time for healing.” There will also be time for re-connecting with other parts of the Episcopal Church.
           
“This was my first experience with a Synod gathering,” says Ann Coleman, “and I am still buoyant with the boost it gave me.  It's easy to forget about such harmony and purpose when one is used to insularity.”

You can find more information about the Steering Committee at http://www.steeringcommitteente.org/.