A group that split from the national Episcopal Church has asked a court to dismiss a lawsuit that would give millions of dollars in endowed funds and several pieces of church property to the national organization.
The local group, led by Bishop Jack Iker, says the court has no jurisdiction because it would require the court to solve an ecclesiastical dispute in order to grant an award.
But Katie Sherrod, spokeswoman for the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth, which is recognized by the national organization, said she expects the court to make a decision favorable to the national church.
"We grieve over this," Sherrod said. "We were forced into this by the actions our former bishop [Iker] took. We welcome them home anytime they wish to come home."
The petition for dismissal is a response to a lawsuit filed April 14 in a Tarrant County state district court by the national church, which also asks for exclusive use of the name the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. The name is being used by the group recognized by the national church and by the Iker-led group.
The lawsuit followed a bitter break-up between the two groups over the national church’s acceptance of a gay bishop, same-sex unions and its ordination of women as priests.
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