Episcopal Studies program to adhere to views of national church

Brite Divinity School's new Episcopal Studies Program will be geared toward those who are seeking ordination from the national Episcopal Church, which leans toward ordination of women and acceptance of gays, said the Rev. Fred Barber, acting director of the Episcopal Studies Program.

Barber said there was much talk about the formation of the Episcopal Studies Program and how it might be beneficial toward the church, especially since Brite already has several other denominational programs.

"We think it'll be beneficial for church and seminary by adding a group of students that will bring an Anglican Episcopalian understanding to the community," Barber said.

Barber said he hopes the program, which begins this fall, will expand and add more elements in the following years.

Stephanie Burke, a trustee at the Brite Divinity School and a member of All Saints Episcopal Church located in Fort Worth, said tension grew between the former Episcopalian Bishop of Fort Worth, Jack L. Iker, and the national Episcopal Church because of the national church's general acceptance of homosexuality and especially because of its ordainment of women.

"When he (Iker) was asked the question, 'Who would he take communion from?', he answered that if it was a gay priest, it was a valid communion but immoral," Burke said. "He told us if it was a female priest, it's completely invalid."

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