FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas Votes Overwhelmingly to Reunite with the Episcopal Church of North Texas
June 10, 2022: In a reconvening of the 173rd Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas held Thursday, June 9, the diocese overwhelmingly voted to reunite with The Episcopal Church of North Texas. The purpose of the reconvening was expressly to vote on two resolutions: the first being, reuniting with the Episcopal Church in North Texas, and the other, authorizing a Bishop Assistant.
Both were passed by the 220 Canonically Resident Clergy voting (over one-half of the clergy required for a quorum), and 310 of all other Lay Delegates voting. The number of all other Lay Delegates voting was equivalent to more than one person present from half of all diocesan congregations. The number of congregations represented by the Lay Delegates was 134.
Bishop of Texas, the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle said, “The people of the Diocese of Texas warmly welcome our siblings home. This reunification process is very exciting and we are elated about the extraordinary possibilities that come with becoming part of this region of Texas. The Episcopal Church of North Texas will bring great perspectives and divine gifts to our diocese and as one, we will reach and bring more people to God. At the end of the day, that is our purpose.”
Bishop Doyle called the reconvened session to order at 6:11 p.m., offering the opening prayer, thanking those who joined, and welcoming all attendees to the virtual platform. The Rev. Korey Wright introduced the instructional video for the electronic voting platform and a test vote was successfully completed. The bishop declared a quorum, with permission of the Chancellor, and he called the meeting to order. The Report of the Committee for Dispatch of Business was delivered by William Fowler, and the agenda and rules of business were passed.
The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle issued a pastoral letter on April 24, to the Diocese of Texas, stating that Bishop Scott Mayer, provisional bishop of The Episcopal Church of North Texas had called together a discernment group of clergy and lay leaders to begin the process of identifying and evaluating options for the future of The Episcopal Church of North Texas and the 24 counties that make up that region. It was determined that exploring a reunion with the Episcopal Diocese of Texas was the best decision for both The Episcopal Church of North Texas and the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
Shortly thereafter, Bishop Doyle called for a reconvening of the 173rd Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas expressly for a vote on the two resolutions. Likewise, Bishop Mayer issued a call for a Special Meeting of his Diocesan Convention on Saturday, June 18, at 10 a.m., for the sole purpose of voting on a reunification process with the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
For more information, please visit www.reunion2022.or, or contact Tammy Lanier at 281-543-7845 or Katie Sherrod at 817-909-0070.
Founded in 1838 by the Episcopal Church as a mission to the people of Texas, the Diocese of Texas has been led continuously by the Holy Spirit to plant ministries and congregations to partner with and serve the wider community. Today the diocese spans more than 46,000 square miles and encompasses 57 counties. We are headquartered in historic downtown Houston with offices in Austin and Tyler. Led by the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, the ninth Bishop of Texas, the diocese is more than 400 clergy, 167 congregations, 70 missional communities, 22 campus missions, chaplaincies, foundations, institutions, and over 72,000 parishioners serving our neighbors. We embrace all people with mutual love and respect. We are one Church reconciled by Jesus Christ, joining God’s mission to reconcile others and build up the kingdom of God.
