Calling a recent resolution by the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church a failed attempt to interfere in the internal constitutional processes of their dioceses, the chancellors of the Episcopal Dioceses of Fort Worth, Quincy, Pittsburgh and San Joaquin rejected claims that changes the dioceses had made to their accession clauses over the last fifteen years were null and void. 

The Executive Council’s resolution NAC-023, which was passed during their meeting June 11-14 in Parsippany N.J., stated:  "Any amendment to a diocesan constitution that purports in any way to limit or lessen an unqualified accession to the constitution of The Episcopal Church is null and void, and be it further resolved that the amendments passed to the constitutions of the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Fort Worth, Quincy and San Joaquin, which purport to limit or lessen the unqualified accession to the constitution of The Episcopal Church are accordingly null and void and the constitutions of those dioceses shall be as they were as if such amendments had not been passed."

Responding as a group, the chancellors issued the following statement.  “The Episcopal Church (TEC) has declared the authority of Holy Scripture null and void so we are not surprised that its Executive Council attacks our diocesan constitutions because we reserve the right not to accede to TEC’s unbiblical actions. The Executive Council does not have the authority to make decisions or pass resolutions of this type on behalf of TEC.  Furthermore, the Executive Council does not have the right to interfere in internal diocesan constitutional processes.  The Executive Council's declaration is contrary to the law and to the historic Anglican faith.”