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78R17528 MMS-D
By: Wilson H.R. No. 1486
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Right Reverend Claude Edward Payne, bishop of
the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, is retiring in June 2003 after
guiding the church in that diocese through a period of remarkable
growth; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Payne was consecrated as bishop coadjutor of
the 57-county diocese in October 1993 and installed as diocesan
bishop in February 1995; during his tenure, average attendance at
Sunday services, total congregational income, and donations to the
diocesan outreach budget have all increased markedly; local lay
vicars have been raised up to serve small rural congregations, new
churches have been formed, and a number of established churches and
other church institutions have undergone dramatic expansion; and
WHEREAS, Under Bishop Payne's leadership, the effervescence
within the church in the diocese has been reflected in the
appointment of the first female canon to the ordinary and the
selection of the first African Americans as bishop suffragan,
assistant bishop, and diocesan youth missioner; and
WHEREAS, While working to build and strengthen the church,
Bishop Payne has also sought to shift its focus outward to serve the
unchurched and the wider community; as part of this endeavor,
social service programs in Houston, Beaumont, Galveston, and Austin
are rendering crucial assistance to homeless and impoverished
citizens in those communities; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Payne has also played an instrumental role in
establishing Episcopal Health Charities (EHC), which has assisted
community outreach programs with approximately $50 million since
1997; 63 percent of EHC grants support programs beyond the diocesan
congregations, such as a fully equipped mobile health clinic for
homeless youth in Houston; and
WHEREAS, Born in Abilene, this distinguished Texan received a
degree in chemical engineering from Rice University and master's
and doctor of divinity degrees from the Church Divinity School of
the Pacific; before his election as bishop in 1993, he served for 25
years at St. Mark's in Beaumont and St. Martin's in Houston; and
WHEREAS, Through his exceptional vision, untiring
commitment, and skillful leadership, Bishop Payne has contributed
immeasurably to the vigor of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of
Texas and guided the church in vital service to the community at
large; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the Right Reverend Claude Edward Payne as
he prepares to retire as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas
and extend to him sincere appreciation for the energy, time, and
concern he has devoted to the citizens of this state.