Dallas Episcopalians for Unity

P.O. Box 195026

Dallas, TX 75219
December 5, 2015
To the Bishop of Dallas, our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Diocese of Dallas, and in The
Episcopal Church, may God's peace be with you always.
The Steering Committee of Dallas Episcopalians for Unity was pleased to meet then Bishopelect Sumner for breakfast several weeks ago. This meeting marked the start of a possibility of
true dialogue between the Diocese and the LGBT faithful. We felt that important progress was
made toward building a bridge between two groups of people who, while divided on certain
issues, are united in one faith and one baptism. We remain hopeful that this dialogue will
continue and that old wounds may begin to heal.
Bishop Sumner's recent decision to banish same-sex couples seeking a Church-blessed
marriage to the Diocese of Fort Worth is contrary to the dialogue, reconciliation, and healing the
Diocese needs. Few members of this group expected LGBT Episcopalians to be accepted
immediately and totally in the life of the Church in Dallas. But many were hopeful that a few
crumbs of grace would be extended in the form of one or two willing parishes being authorized
to administer the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples. Instead, we are told to find a seat
at someone else's table - temporarily. When we return to our table we really do not know that
we will be welcomed. The Diocese is not acting charitably when its actions come at no cost to
the status quo and create no expectation of a welcoming Christ-like embrace.
It is difficult to see how this decision "makes available" the same-sex marriages liturgies in
accordance with the General Convention's resolution. The diocesan policy puts a burden on our
friends in Fort Worth as well as Episcopalians here who are relegated to the "1-30 Plan", which
will cost time, money, and frustration. These injustices are not imposed on any other couples in
the Diocese. We believe they are only likely to cement the feelings of division
not unity, our
purpose - within the Diocese. We see the point blank refusal to make any mar iage
accommodation, together with the failure once again to state a clear message f welcome to
LGBT Christians in the same statement, as a rejection by the Diocese of Dalla and its
conservative majority of any charitable purpose.
Our further concern is how people married elsewhere will be treated here. We re worried that
the Diocese and individual parishes will refuse to recognize Church-blessed m rriages on the
grounds that they are not authorized here. Sensitive areas where LGBT peopl . in the Church
already face discrimination and where being in a same-sex marriage could ca se further
problems are picture directories, service in key parish roles, and holy orders.
e appreciate that
Bishop Sumner has called for open doors. What remains to be seen is whethe the Diocese
seeks meaningful inclusion or mere grudging acceptance of an LGBT presence. Grudging
acceptance is not a Christian value in our eyes.
It is our position that the Diocese of Dallas is in violation of the intent of the resolution passed
overwhelmingly in General Convention. Requiring faithful Episcopalians to go somewhere else

is not making available the marriage rite and it sends a loud, clear message to the larger Church
- the Diocese
of Dallas stands apart and has brazen disregard for many of its own flock. We call for steps to
be taken to make these liturgies available somewhere in the Diocese of Dallas.
We continue to pray for the unity of Christ's whole Church, for Bishop Sumner, for the Diocese
of Dallas and her clergy, that we may move forward in a meaningful way in Jesus' name, not
just by thought and word, but also deed.
In Christ,
DEU