Those who attended services at Christ Church, Plano, Texas, on June 25, were read a letter by the rector, the Rev. David H. Roseberry, in which he announced that the vestry had decided unanimously to “disassociate as soon as possible” from The Episcopal Church, while remaining under the episcopal authority of the Rt. Rev. James M. Stanton, Bishop of Dallas.

“Over the next few weeks we will explore the ways that this separation will be best realized,” said the letter, which is posted on the parish website. “Both the vestry and I will keep you informed and updated as needed, and you can be assured of our prayer and definite actions. We likewise would request your patience and prayers. But rest assured that our church is Anglican now … and will always be within the great historic family of the Anglican Communion. You should know that our bishop is aware of our decision and is very supportive.”

Jill Kinsella, director of communications at Christ Church, told The Living Church the decision to leave The Episcopal Church had been under consideration since 2003 and the lack of an adequate response to the Windsor Report by the 75th General Convention was the last straw. The announcement to leave was received enthusiastically at all services, according to Ms. Kinsella, who added that the use of the word “disassociate” was deliberate and had canonical implications. She deferred to Fr. Roseberry for further details. He was traveling and had not returned a message left for him at press time.

Bishop Stanton was also traveling and not expected back in the diocesan office until Wednesday. Earlier in a June 26 e-mail message sent to the clergy, Bishop Stanton acknowledged the negative effect that some decisions at the 74th General Convention had on the mission of Christ Church and he expressed “support” for the careful way that the leadership had arrived at its decision.

“We will work together for the future, faithful to our Anglican heritage,” Bishop Stanton wrote.

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