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Bishop Iker plans appeal to Texas Supreme Court
VOL notified of next legal step Thursday evening
By Mary Ann Mueller
VOL Special Correspondent
www.virtueonline.org
April 6, 2018
On Thursday, April 5, the twin dioceses of Fort Worth (ACNA and TEC) were informed that the Texas Second Court of Appeals reached a decision. Chief Justice Bonnie Sudderth had determined that the "Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth" belongs to The Episcopal Church, thus yanking all property and assets along with its name and corporation away from Bishop Jack Iker (III Fort Worth).
This overturned the earlier 141st District Court of Tarrant County, Texas ruling.
Bishop Iker was quick to respond. In a statement to Forward in Christ magazine, he said: "The Second Court of Appeals has issued its long-awaited ruling in our litigation, and the Court has found in favor of TEC's arguments that TEC decides who belongs to their Diocese and that their Diocese controls the Corporation Board of Trustees, as well as all property and other assets.
"Our attorneys are reviewing the 178-page opinion, and I will have a conference call with them tomorrow to discuss how to proceed. As we have said in the past, we have anticipated all along that the Texas Supreme Court will make the final decision on this matter," Bishop Iker told the Forward in Faith publication. "As the legal battle continues, let us remain focused on the Risen Jesus and our mission to proclaim the Good News to all people."
Thursday evening, VOL e-mailed the bishop and inquired as to the diocese's next move.
Within minutes, he quickly and succinctly replied: "Appeal the decision to Texas Supreme Court," confirming that a legal decision had been made and the next stop is the Texas Supreme Court in the diocese's continuing battle to retain its property assets, title and corporation status.
Mary Ann Mueller is a journalist living in Texas. She is a regular contributor to VirtueOnline
