As we move forward as a diocese in the Anglican Communion, our clergy and elected convention delegates are asked to continue in discernment through prayer, study, and discussion of the issues involved in forming a new province. Several dates have been set for this process to move forward:

A DIOCESAN CLERGY DAY will be held on Thursday, March 26, at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Fort Worth, and all our clergy are expected to attend. The topic will be "Why a New Province for Orthodox Anglicans in North America?"

Presentations will be made by Bishop William Wantland and Fr. Bill Ilgenfritz. Fr. Ilgenfritz formerly served in this diocese, and he is now rector of St. Mary's Church, Charleroi, in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Dean of the Forward in Faith, North America Convocation of the Anglican Communion Network.

We will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude with lunch at 12:30 p.m. Coffee and donuts will be available beginning at 9 a.m. for those who would like to arrive early and catch up with one another.

There will also be a DIOCESAN CONVOCATION on this same subject on Saturday, May 2, at St. Vincent's Cathedral in Bedford. All clergy and all lay delegates to Diocesan Convention should put this on their calendars at this time and plan to attend this important meeting. Once again, we anticipate a 9:30 a.m. start, concluding with lunch.

The Bishop and Standing Committee have registered the diocese to participate in the Provincial Assembly of the Anglican Church in North America at its inaugural meeting on June 22-25, which will also be held at St. Vincent's. At that time, proposals will be made for a Constitution and Canons for the new province. Our clergy representatives will be The Rev. Fathers Ryan Reed, Christopher Cantrell, Thomas Hightower, Jay Atwood, and Scott Wooten. Our lay delegates are Judy Mayo, Dr. Franklin Salazar, Walter Virden, Jo Ann Patton, and Kay Stromberg.

Please pray for God's guidance and direction as we enter into an intentional time of spiritual discernment about this in the months ahead. In due course, the matter will be brought to our DIOCESAN CONVENTION for a decision on November 6-7.