The Diocese of Fort Worth has sailed into uncharted waters by a legal declaration that it can no longer unconditionally accept the authority of General Convention.

By a substantial majority, Fort Worth's diocesan convention Nov. 9 approved an amendment to its constitution, adding a significant qualification to the accession clause which all dioceses are required to include in their constitutions. It recognizes the authority of General Convention, "provided that no action of General Convention which is contrary to holy scripture and the apostolic teaching of the church shall be of any force or effect in this diocese."

The amendment, which requires a second reading at next year's convention, was passed because of fears that General Convention will take steps to approve same-sex unions, the ordination of non-celibate homosexuals and a radical revision of the Book of Common Prayer, as well as to require all bishops to accept the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate. Fort Worth is one of four dioceses which do not ordain or license female priests.

While Fort Worth's diocesan conventions have often been tumultuous events in the past, the amendment was approved after only a short debate. Opponents pointed out that the amendment was contrary to Episcopal Church canon law and opened the door to congregationalism. But the amendment's supporters said that it only affirms the traditional Anglican understanding of authority contained in the Articles of Religion.

The constitution and canons committee which drafted the amendment assured the convention that the intention was not to leave the Episcopal Church. But the delegates were warned that General Convention would not likely overlook this challenge to its authority.

The Diocese of Fort Worth was created in 1983 when the Diocese of Dallas was divided.

(The Rev.) Jeffrey Steenson