Brian Nearing offers this reaction piece in today’s Times Union.
Interesting that there are NO conservatives’ reactions represented among those quoted other than anonymous blog posters (something which I honestly have never seen in a news story before). Not suprisingly, the Albany Via Media voices are generously represented.
There is also a video piece available on WTEN’s website (windows media player required).
I’m posting below the text of the letter Bishop Dan sent to Bishop Bill, as posted at Albany Intercessor:
March 19, 2007
Feast of Saint JosephThe Right Reverend William H. Love Bishop of Albany
68 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210Dear Bishop Bishop Bill,
I have written to the Presiding Bishop to advise here [sic] that last week Carol and I were received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. This action is the result of three and a half years of focused prayer and study. There is a sense of joyful contentment in being in union with the office of Peter and the universal church. There is also an element of sadness at losing a special connection with the devoted clergy and outstanding lay leaders serving Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, and the Anglican Communion
You and many others are aware of the turmoil which has enveloped the Episcopal Church since the decisions and actions of the General Convention in 2003. That turmoil was not merely external. It also caused a lot of hidden tears. To my mind, the power which the Convention claimed to exercise in fact negated any previous authority on which I had relied. It caused me to engage in a fresh examination of apostolic teaching and authority.
In spite of my personal grief over all this, my sense of duty to the Diocese, its clergy and people required that I not walk away from my office and leave vulnerable this diocese which I love. I believed that it was my responsibility to provide for a transition to the future. Your subsequent election and consecration discharged that duty and has given me the liberty to follow my conscience, and now resign my orders and membership in the House of Bishops.
It is certainly no reflection on you or your ministry which Carol and I both admire and respect and for which we pray daily. Needless to say, we have only fondness and appreciation for you and the Diocese in whose ministry Carol and I have invested the past thirty-five years of our lives.
We have now an even greater incentive to pray for that unity which Christ willed for His church, a unity embedded in that faith once delivered to the saints.
With every wish for a holy celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, I remain,
In Christ,
Signed/ Daniel W. Herzog
An article from today’s Times Union is here.
Lots of comments on TitusOneNine and a few on Stand Firm.
UPDATE @ 2:20 pm: Episcopal News Service has the text of the Presiding Bishop’s letter in response to (Bishop) Dan, and her letter to the House of Bishops on the matter. You can read them here.
UPDATE @ 6:00 pm: There are a number of blogs and other news sites have been repeating the story. Perhaps the most interesting spot I found was The Irish Angle which is the Church of Ireland newspaper. Of course, this is because of the close relationship between the Diocese of Albany and the United Diocese of Down and Dromore.
From Bishop Love, via email:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Upon my arrival home from the House of Bishop’s meeting, I received the attached letter from Bishop Dan, informing me that after a three and half year long period of “focused prayer and study,” he and Carol have decided to return to their roots and be received into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. While I respect Bishop Dan and Carol’s decision, it is with great sadness that I receive and pass on this news.
I know this was not an easy decision, nor was it made without great personal cost. Unfortunately, unlike Bishop Bena’s decision to transfer to the Church of Nigeria, continuing as a bishop in good standing in the Anglican Communion, Bishop Dan’s decision has necessitated the resignation of his orders as bishop, priest and deacon. As such, he will not be able to function in an ordained capacity within the Diocese or larger Anglican Communion.
Dan and Carol have been and continue to be good friends of the Diocese of Albany and will always be welcome at all functions in the Diocese. Their decision to return to Rome was not and should not be seen as an attack or lack of love or concern for the Diocese of Albany. As we continue to hold Dan and Carol up in our thoughts and prayers, may God bless them richly in His love and mercy and grace.
The recent retirement and subsequent departure of both Bishop Dan and Bishop Dave from the Episcopal Church, can’t help but have a major impact on each of us and our Diocese. One of my greatest concerns, as your new Bishop, is that others in the Diocese are also struggling with the current issues that threaten to divide the Church. Please know that I am here for you as we work through these issues.
As your bishop and brother in Christ, I appreciate and give thanks to God for you and every member of our diocesan family. I need you as we move forward. We are blessed with being in a wonderful, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled Diocese. The Lord is doing mighty things in the Diocese of Albany and has even greater plans for the future. It is absolutely essential that we stick together, as one body in Christ, loving, supporting and upholding one another as we answer our Lord’s call to act in faith and obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit, living the Great Commandment and Great Commission.
May our Lord Jesus Christ bless us and use us mightily in His service and always to His glory and the benefit of His Church.
Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Bill
Bishop of Albany
I have understanding, but deep grief over seeing my long-time friends and Godly mentors, Bishops Herzog and Bena, leave in these true matters of spiritual conscience. I honor their decisions, and grieve for my church.
It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without running risks, and the greatest of all prizes are those connected with the home. No father and mother can hope to escape sorrow and anxiety, and there are dreadful moments when death comes very near those we love, even if for the time being it passes by. But life is a great adventure, and the worst of all fears is the fear of living. There are many forms of success, many forms of triumph. But there is no other success that in any shape or way approaches that which is open to most of the many, many men and women who have the right ideals. These are the men and the women who see that it is the intimate and homely things that count most. They are the men and women who have the courage to strive for the happiness which comes only with labor and effort and self-sacrifice, and only to those whose joy in life springs in part from power of work and sense of duty.
–Teddy Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt – An Autobiography (Macmillan, 1913).
ht to Kendall Harmon
I’m not sick, but I’m keeping company with my son as we try a few weeks of reletive isolation to see if his immune system can heal outside of constant exposure to myriad germs. I have a few random thoughts as the sun tries to break through the clouds (figuratively and literally today).
Random thought 1
Our bathroom remodel (“before” pictures here)is almost completed. The contractors are doing the last few “little” things in there, and the last of the kitchen ceiling repair from the old leaky (and now gone) shower stall. Pictures of the finished product before long!
Random thought 2
I miss being around people, and I know Tim does. I’ve been working from home, calling in for my messages and checking my email by the “magic” of VPN. As much as I don’t always find myself too productive in the busyness of Chris’ and my office, it’s hard working in total isolation. It makes me a little paranoid about details because so much of our communication is passing by and “oh, I have a question” style.
Random thought 3
The school district – shock of all shocks – is being unresponsive in providing the tutor Tim is entitled to have while he’s out of school for medical reasons. I’ve called numerous times since hand-delivering the paperwork on March 15th. Zero return calls, zero tutor. My tax dollars at work. Regardless, he’s nearly a month behind on schoolwork now. Update: The tutor called shortly after I made the original post. Now she’s trying to get his school work… getting closer!
Random thought 4
The HYWF project is coming along. That’s exciting to me, and wondering what God will do with that as time goes by. It’s amazing the way it came together and has progressed.
Random thought 5
I have a couple of articles – interview with Mac Powell and David Nassar about their Glory Revealed project, book review of On the Move by Bono, and a curriculum review of Best Sex Ever from Simply Youth Ministry – to finish up/write for YMX. Then, I have an interview coming up week after next with Jeff Deyo before the release of his new project. Cool way to spend my free time and keeps my hand in.
Random thought 6
Our taxes are done. 
Refund coming in a few weeks.
Random thought 7
Cathie and I need to put together our fundraising letter for our mission trip to Bolivia, July 14-24. Together we’ll need to raise $3,000 for the trip during which we’ll be working with YFC doing outreach to homeless youth in LaPaz. I’m excited and trying to brush up on my Espanol, though my daughter keeps laughing at me. Yes, my feelings are hurt! 
Random thought 8
I need to blog about Gloria, and about Penny & Calley. Oh, and some thoughts about Northern Ireland, perhaps. Great stories, but no time now.
If you read this far, thanks. No huge insights, but reaching out for a little connection with the world outside of our little quarantine.
March 22, 2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I will be responding to the actions of the HOB in the next couple of days. I am currently on the road and therefore not able to make an immediate response. I understand many in the Diocese are upset about the two Mind of the House Resolutions dealing with the Primates Communique. I share your concern and voted against both resolutions. With that said, it is important that we all stay as calm as possible and not overreact out of emotion or anger. I am very proud of our Diocese and continue to believe that the Lord will use us to help bring healing into the Church. I ask each of you to join me in holding the Church up in prayer and seeking God’s wisdom and guidance during these very difficult times.
Faithfully Yours in Christ,
+Bill
“This initial response of the House of Bishops is discouraging and indicates the need for further discussion and clarification. Some important questions have still to be addressed and no one is underestimating the challenges ahead.”
— from here with a ht to Stand Firm.
Personal note: I’m not sure what topic(s) of discussion need clarification, but know that his Grace is in a tough spot. He, and all the Primates of the Anglican Communion, remain in our daily prayers for unity, strength, boldness, and clarity of vision.
that the church breaks God’s heart?
While there are many people who truly desire to love the Lord their God with all their heart, with all their mind, with all their strength, and to love their neighbor as themselves, my experience tells me we often fall far short.
This morning I was distressed to read (here or here) about the Episcopal Church’s House of Bishops statement responding to the Dar Es Salaam Communique. The HOB statement was very clear in saying “no” to the Comminque’s requests. Effectively, this moves the worldwide Anglican Communion closer to the breaking point over the authority and interpretation of the scriptures and the importance of like-mindedness among God’s people (and especially among the leadership of the church). I to believe this grieves the heart of God.
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
14 Do all things without grumbling or questioning, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
That’s where I want to be, in the mind-and-heart attitude that Paul writes of to the Phillipians. If we’re to be like Jesus, to be disciples in the deepest context, how can we seek for anything less?
I don’t know what will happen to the Episcopal Church or the worldwide Anglican Communion. I know that our Diocese is strong, that our leadership is godly. But I don’t know what will happen, or when “it” will happen. I’m not judging anyone, I’m just sad that the Church in it’s many expressions continues to sub-divide and stray much like the people of God throughout documented history. My heart is heavy, my eyes are full to overflowing as I cry out to the Lord to purify his people, his bride, and hasten the day of his return. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
They have fabulous imaginations! Yesterday afternoon reminded me of that when I got an IM from CC. You need to know that it snowed 15+ inches around our area Friday into Saturday, just days after spring-like highs melted all the Valentine’s Day blizzard’s remaining banks.
She wrote: hello, i hate snow so i’m wearing capris and a t-shirt and flip-flops and staying inside today to pretend it’s summer.
I wrote: hahaha, I love that!
She wrote: yeahhh me too. i was wearing shorts but there are ppl coming over so my mom made me put on capris.
She wrote: at 4:30 i’m putting on my bathing suit and laying on a towel in my bedroom and pretending to tan.
It appears that’s what she does on the family’s backyard deck in the summer at that time. All I have to say is BRAVA CC! Bring on the warmer weather!
How often do we get to hear that we’re someone’s hero, genuinely an inspiration to them? My friend and YMX editorial colleague, Amy, asked me yesterday if she could write about what she sees in Tim as he faces his illness’ twists and turns. I said sure, not realizing what an amazing blessing we would receive.
You can read her blog post here as there’s no better update to his story at the moment.
Today I’m off to his school and our school district to arrange for the educational support he needs to get through these weeks. Prayers appreciated that all goes smoothly.
