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 TheEpiscopal Church, may God's peace be with you always.

The Steering Committee of Dallas Episcopalians for Unity was pleased to meet then Bishop-elect Sumner for breakfast several weeks ago. This meeting marked the start of a possibility oftrue dialogue between the Diocese and the LGBT faithful. We felt that important progress wasmade toward building a bridge between two groups of people who, while divided on certainissues, are united in one faith and one baptism. We remain hopeful that this dialogue willcontinue and that old wounds may begin to heal.

Bishop Sumner's recent decision to banish same-sex couples seeking a Church-blessedmarriage to the Diocese of Fort Worth is contrary to the dialogue, reconciliation, and healing theDiocese needs. Few members of this group expected LGBT Episcopalians to be acceptedimmediately and totally in the life of the Church in Dallas. But many were hopeful that a fewcrumbs of grace would be extended in the form of one or two willing parishes being authorizedto administer the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples. Instead, we are told to find a seatat someone else's table - temporarily. When we return to our table we really do not know thatwe will be welcomed. The Diocese is not acting charitably when its actions come at no cost tothe 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 inaccordance with the General Convention's resolution. The diocesan policy puts a burden on ourfriends in Fort Worth as well as Episcopalians here who are relegated to the "1-30 Plan", whichwill cost time, money, and frustration. These injustices are not imposed on any other couples inthe Diocese. We believe they are only likely to cement the feelings of division not unity, ourpurpose - within the Diocese. We see the point blank refusal to make any mar iageaccommodation, together with the failure once again to state a clear message f welcome toLGBT Christians in the same statement, as a rejection by the Diocese of Dalla and itsconservative majority of any charitable purpose.

Our further concern is how people married elsewhere will be treated here. We re worried thatthe Diocese and individual parishes will refuse to recognize Church-blessed m rriages on thegrounds that they are not authorized here. Sensitive areas where LGBT peopl . in the Churchalready face discrimination and where being in a same-sex marriage could ca se furtherproblems are picture directories, service in key parish roles, and holy orders. e appreciate thatBishop Sumner has called for open doors. What remains to be seen is whethe the Dioceseseeks meaningful inclusion or mere grudging acceptance of an LGBT presence. Grudgingacceptance 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 passedoverwhelmingly in General Convention. Requiring faithful Episcopalians to go somewhere else

of Dallas stands apart and has brazen disregard for many of its own flock. We call for steps tobe taken to make these liturgies available somewhere in the Diocese of Dallas.

is not making available the marriage rite and it sends a loud, clear message to the larger Church- the Diocese

We continue to pray for the unity of Christ's whole Church, for Bishop Sumner, for the Dioceseof Dallas and her clergy, that we may move forward in a meaningful way in Jesus' name, notjust by thought and word, but also deed.

In Christ,

DEU