Many of you may not know that since 2018, the Diocese of Dallas (our diocese) has not permitted full access to all the authorized rites of The Episcopal Church. Our bishop, the Rt. Rev. George Sumner, has identified a canonical protocol that allows parishes in the Diocese of Dallas to participate fully in the sacramental life of The Episcopal Church. This process is called Designated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO). Engaging in this process enhances our ability to raise up and recruit clergy, as well as gain the ability to offer the rite of marriage to all members in good standing regardless of gender.
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, the Saint Michael Vestry voted unanimously to allow the use of all liturgical rites authorized by The Episcopal Church. This decision more fully aligns Saint Michael with The Episcopal Church. By pursuing DEPO, we will remain in the Diocese of Dallas and participate fully in diocesan life, and Bishop Sumner will delegate pastoral and sacramental duties (e.g., Confirmation and Ordination) to another bishop who then becomes responsible for overseeing our parish.
Making this decision will benefit Saint Michael in three main ways: (1) We have two Saint Michael parishioners in the discernment process for ordination. If we recommend them for ordination, they are currently limited to two specific seminaries of which only one is in The Episcopal Church. DEPO will allow them to consider all Episcopal seminaries. (2) We will be able to access all approved Episcopal liturgies, including ones that are currently off limits to us. One of those liturgies would allow any members in good standing, regardless of gender, to receive the sacrament of marriage at Saint Michael. (3) Although we have been blessed with excellent clergy in recent years, the majority of Episcopal clergy will not consider working at a church that does not fully align with The Episcopal Church. As we continue to grow our congregation, DEPO will allow us to be as competitive as possible in our clergy recruitment.
We continue to strive to be a community that welcomes everyone and exhibits the fullness of Anglican faith and practice as it has been received in The Episcopal Church. We want to be a community that models the kind of charity and openness that allows us to maintain unity across any differences we may have. Part of what this means involves being a community that respectfully acknowledges the different teachings and practices that now exist in the Church regarding marriage. The truth of our Christian unity isn’t defined by agreement on all points, but about participating in the grace of the same shared relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Our Shared Mission
Good and gracious God, whose will it is that all should come to you through your Son Jesus Christ: We come to you with grateful hearts, that through your grace we are united by your transcendent love. Inspire our witness to him, that all may know the power of his forgiveness, the hope of his resurrection, and your limitless love that passes all understanding; We ask all this through Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
FAQs
What is DEPO?
In The Episcopal Church, Designated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO) is a process designed to provide pastoral care and oversight to congregations that have differences or disagreements with their diocesan bishop, while still allowing them to remain a part of their diocese. This oversight includes various aspects of ministry such as recruiting clergy, providing spiritual guidance, and maintaining the unity and continuity of The Episcopal Church. DEPO provides a way for parishes to remain within their diocese while receiving oversight from a Bishop who is aligned with their pastoral and theological convictions.
How will DEPO affect our church if the Vestry votes in favor of this?
What this means for Saint Michael is that our current Bishop, the Rt. Rev. George Sumner, will delegate specific pastoral and sacramental duties (e.g., Confirmation and Ordination) to another bishop, who then becomes responsible for overseeing our parish. Currently, the Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri, serves in this capacity.
Does the Vestry need to vote unanimously for this proposal to pass?
No. The Vestry will vote in September, and the proposal needs a 2/3 supermajority to pass.
What does this mean for our relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas?
Saint Michael is still part of the Diocese, paying its assessment, attending conventions, participating on committees, and strengthening the bonds of affection between parishes. The primary difference is that a different bishop will provide Designated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO).
What are the current barriers to recruiting clergy?
Although we have been blessed with excellent clergy in recent years, the majority of Episcopal clergy will not consider working at a parish that does not fully align with The Episcopal Church. Priests who choose to work at a parish that isn’t aligned with The Episcopal Church risk potential trouble when they seek a new call to another parish.
How will our clergy recruitment improve under DEPO?
Saint Michael is an extremely attractive, healthy parish, and is respected around the country. As we continue to grow, we hope to expand our clergy team. Entering the DEPO process will allow us to become even more competitive in recruiting clergy in the future.
Is the Vestry being asked to approve same-sex marriages in general?
The Vestry is being asked to allow all qualified persons to be married at Saint Michael based on civil law, denominational canons, and parish guidelines outlined on the Weddings page of our website.
What is the discernment process for ordination?
The Episcopal Church discernment process is a journey of self-discovery and prayerful exploration to determine if God is calling an individual to ordained ministry. It involves a series of steps and conversations with clergy, church leaders, and the bishop to assess a person’s readiness for ministry and ensure they are aligned with The Episcopal Church’s teachings and practices.
How will seminary options for those nominated for ordination change?
When a parish nominates a member for ordination, that person begins a process that ultimately leads to a conversation about seminary with the bishop. A bishop guides the nominee to find a seminary that best fits their needs. Currently, potential seminarians from our diocese are limited to two seminaries, and only one that is in The Episcopal Church. DEPO will open future seminarians to a wider set of seminary options that fully align with The Episcopal Church.