A Great Day In Fort Worth

This evening, the Reverend Susan Slaughter was the first woman ever to be ordained a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth since the diocese was formed in 1983. To put into context what a joyful and momentous day this is, consider the history of the the diocese:

The Diocese of Fort Worth was formed from the western part of the Diocese of Dallas, in part out of opposition to the ordination of women to the priesthood. The founding bishop, A. Donald Davies, and both his successors, Clarence C. Pope and Jack L. Iker, all left the Episcopal Church over women's ordination. Under those bishops, women feeling called to the priesthood either had to give up their call or leave the diocese to be ordained elsewhere. At least fifteen women have done so—and all have been invited "home" for the ordination.

Thanks to Fr. Jake, I picked up the streaming video of the ordination just before the reading of the Gospel. What a beautiful and moving ceremony.

From the Rev. Slaughter:

"It is with a deep sense of awe in the mysterious ways of our Lord that I arrive at this moment. I am filled with gratitude toward those persons, lay and clergy, who have encouraged and supported me over the years. St. Luke's in the Meadow has been especially supportive and has helped me discern more clearly my true vocation," she said.

The Rev. Slaughter will be the rector of St. Lukes in the Meadow and will be the first female to hold the position of rector of a parish in the Diocese of Fort Worth.

Read her story at the diocesan website.

Congratulations and blessings to Susan and to the Diocese of Fort Worth upon their new beginning.

H/T to Fr. Jake.