But TEC leaders were convinced that certain new findings of the social sciences--contradicting a previous consensus in the social sciences--showed that the biblical authors and Church tradition were benighted. If only they knew what was now being revealed about human nature, they would see that the SSA were made that way by God and thus deserved the same sexual freedom that heterosexuals supposedly enjoyed.

Nor could ECUSA succeed by giving its successor group the same name as Bishop Iker's Diocese, and then pretending to assume its identity. The Texas Supreme Court saw through those machinations, and held that the majority controlling the Diocesan corporation, and not ECUSA's minority faction, were the true successors under Texas corporate law to the group that founded the original Diocese in 1983.

The Lenten season of preparation expanded, however, as it also became the time of preparation for converts to the faith to receive their last period of instruction prior to their baptism at Easter. That being said, the actual duration of the Lenten fast varied in the early Church. Certain churches determined upon a three week fast, while others enjoined a six or seven week fast.

Lucado offered a pre-recorded sermon this past Sunday addressing the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. The Texas megachurch pastor isn't the first Evangelical to speak at the Cathedral, but his invitation incensed LGBT activists who launched a petition drive in protest of the invitation.