FAQs

Via Media Dallas strives to provide a balance to arguments supporting the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes with a more diverse theology, accepting that those in "communion" will often disagree about important issues. Such disagreements should not cause division or schism, and Via Media is committed to communion with all Episcopalians.

What are Via Media Dallas' concerns about the Network?

The stated aim of the Network is to deny, under certain conditions, The Episcopal Church's place as a member of the Anglican Communion. The Network itself requires signing a rather detailed statement of beliefs as a condition of membership. We believe this to be un-Episcopalian and un-Anglican. The Network's Charter includes the Constitution of ECUSA, but not its Canons. Our life together as a community of faith is grounded in the saving work of Jesus Christ and expressed in the principles of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral (BCP, page 877): Holy Scripture, the historic Creeds of the church; the two dominical Sacraments (baptism and Holy Communion), and the Historic Episcopate.

What is Via Media Dallas' position on the consecration of Bishop Robinson?

Like Via Media USA, Via Media Dallas has taken no position on his ordination. We have members who believe the consecration was positive and some who believe it was not. Our focus is on preserving the unity of the church while accepting these disagreements on this and other issues.

At our diocesan convention in October, 2004, affiliation with the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes (NACDP, informally called the "Network") was approved. How will the Diocese of Dallas's affiliation with the Network affect individual parishes and missions?

It remains unclear as to how the Network intends to operate or the financial implications of this affiliation. As yet our bishop has not declared whether he would allow non-Network bishops to provide pastoral care to non-Network parishes, nor do we know if our bishop would allow a non-Network priest to be called as rector of a parish in Dallas. We must be watchful of future developments in the Network and our bishop's statements on these issues.

What did General Convention actually do regarding the election of Bishop Robinson?

General Convention was presented with the election of the Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire because the election was held within fewer than 120 days of Convention. Had it taken place earlier, it would have followed another path, i.e., to receive consents from Diocesan Standing Committees and Bishops in writing. The General Convention vote (House of Bishops and House Deputies) was to agree to the validity of the election - that the Diocese of New Hampshire followed all the rules of such elections as required by the Canons. This resolution had nothing to do with choosing the person - only recognizing that the required process had been followed.

Many in the Diocese of Dallas have expressed concern that one of our deputies to General Convention voted to approve Bishop Robinson's election. It has been said that his vote did not count. Why not?

In this case, deputies were required to vote by orders, that is, separately as clergy and lay. This is a parliamentary technique often used to influence the outcome of a vote since there must be agreement in both orders (lay and clergy). Each diocese has four lay deputies and four clergy deputies. If the vote is divided 2 and 2, it is recorded as "divided" and counts as "no." In this instance, the Dallas deputation's vote was recorded as "No" for both clergy (3 of 4) and lay (4 of 4) deputies.

What action did General Convention take regarding same sex unions?

The resolution, C051, recognizes that "differences exist among us about how best to care pastorally for those who intend to live in monogamous, non-celibate unions; and what is, or should be, required, permitted, or prohibited by the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church concerning the blessing of the same" and calls for the Presiding Bishop to organize and appoint a special commission to facilitate a wide conversation of discernment on this issue. The resolution (in its paragraph 7) recognizes the "diversity of opinion and, among dioceses, a diversity of pastoral practice," thereby granting the practice of blessing same-gender relationships to the diocesan bishop's decision within his/her diocese. You might wish to read the entire resolution (numbered above) for more. The General Convention (both houses) concurred.

Some people say there can be no middle ground (no via media) on this issue. Why can't we simply stay together and all get along even though we don't all agree?

The Network theologians have a fundamental disagreement with The Episcopal Church because they believe that General Convention's actions constitute heresy; therefore, they can no longer be a part of the Church and share in its mission. The Network's position is that by ordaining a non-celibate homosexual person as bishop, The Episcopal Church acted wrongly and must repent before being accepted in relationships with the Anglican Communion. This view is shared by some other provinces in the Anglican Communion where cultural attitudes about homosexuality differ widely from American experience. Up to now, individual provinces in the Anglican Communion have not attempted to interfere with actions taken by another province.

Via Media doesn't believe that differences of opinion on the ordination of Canon Robinson to Bishop are so fundamental as to require division. We don't label anyone on either side of the issue as "heretics." We respect divergent views and believe we can worship and commune together despite such differences.

What does Via Media Dallas plan to do?

We hope to provide fair and balanced information to the Diocese on the many issues facing the church, to work together to preserve its unity, to educate people on the significance of the issues, to pray and worship together and to find ways to demonstrate our unity to the entire community.

We oppose the Diocese of Dallas' joining, as a whole, the Network because many in the Diocese do not agree with the Network's theological statements and goals. Respect for these members' positions counsels that Diocesan membership in the Network is inappropriate. We will work against any effort to split the Diocese of Dallas from The Episcopal Church.

Who is welcome to join Via Media Dallas?

Anyone who shares our commitment to the unity of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion is welcome.

Is Via Media Dallas a non-profit organization?

Yes, we are a 501(c)3 organization. Donations may be tax deductible, please consult your tax advisor for assistance.