According to Ft. Worth Bishop Jack Iker, this consecration fulfills the vision of the Episcopal Synod of America, formed in 1989 in Fort Worth, to create a non-geographic diocese or province for congregations upholding the faith and practice of the historic catholic church, including the tradition of an all-male priesthood. It secures a continuing line of apostolic succession for traditional Anglo-Catholics, which is no longer possible in The Episcopal Church in the United States.

Bishop Ilgenfritz agreed to answer questions put to him by VirtueOnline about his new position.

VOL: What is your position on Women's Ordination?

Ilgenfritz: I affirm the Church's historical position that the Christian ministerial priesthood is male.

VOL: Are all FIFNA parishes you minister to now out of TEC?

Ilgenfritz: Yes.

VOL: Will you be ministering to any FIFNA parishes still in The Episcopal Church?

Ilgenfritz:. FIFNA has created an "Episcopal Desk" for FIFNA parishes still in TEC. The Chairman is Fr. James Guill.

VOL: Are there any FIF parishes still left in TEC?

Ilgenfritz: Yes.

VOL: If so, how have they taken your consecration?

Ilgenfritz: The response to my consecration has been quite positive. Some are planning to depart TEC when the time is right for them .Others may stay in TEC longer. It is impossible to predict the outcome of congregational votes.

VOL: In 2002, you and Fr. David Moyer were put forward as candidates as bishop for traditionalist parishes in the U.S. Fr. Moyer subsequently went to the Traditional Anglican Communion where he was ordained a bishop. You have now become FIFNA's bishop. Is the timing on your consecration in keeping with FIF developments in other jurisdictions around the world especially the UK?

Ilgenfritz: Bishop Moyer, of course, decided on the TAC option. I believe the timing for my consecration was right for FIFNA. Obviously, FIFNA has decided to be a part of the Anglican Communion. I cannot say, because I do not know what direction the UK will take, but I am confident that they will make the right decision for their constituency.

VOL: How many parishes will you have as bishop of FIFNA?

Ilgenfritz: A conservative estimate is thirteeen by the end of 2009 with more to come as the Missionary Diocese of All Saints develops.

VOL: Where are they located?

Ilgenfritz: At the moment, I can only identify them by state: Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky and Ohio. (Canada is a good possibility)

VOL: Do you see FIFNA growing?

Ilgenfritz: Absolutely, the new Province and Diocese is what we have been working and praying for, for at least 30 years.

VOL: What other bishops are you in communion with?

Ilgenfritz: I consider myself in full communion with all bishops who are members of FIFNA, FIFNA UK and FIFNA Australia.

VOL: I understand that, with the upcoming consecration of the Rev. Neil Lebhar as Bishop of the Gulf Atlantic Diocese of the Anglican Church in North America, he will lead some 5,000 orthodox Anglicans in North Florida and southern Georgia, mostly drawn from the Episcopal Diocese of Florida. Two dioceses-in-formation (DIF) are now transitioning into full dioceses so the number will remain at 28. The FIFNA DIF is now the Diocese of All Saints. In north Florida and south GA, the Anglican DIF in the SE will become the Gulf Atlantic Diocese assuming the ACNA Provincial Council so approves at its December meeting.

Ilgenfritz: Yes, I believe that is the case.

VOL: Thank you, Bishop.

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