Why This Blog?

Anyone who has read a news article about the Episcopal Church knows that everything changed in 2003.  After years of grumbling by some traditionalists who were upset by changes in liturgy and by inclusive ordination, the Diocese of New Hampshire ordained, and the House of Bishops confirmed, a new bishop who happened to be an openly gay man.  For many church members this was seen as a Spirit-led act of courage.  For others it was an outrage.

In my Diocese of Albany, which covers most of northern New York State and includes some 116 parishes and missions, the reaction was swift.  Then-bishop Herzog led the diocese in 2004 into the arms of the Anglican Communion Network, a group whose goal appeared, and proved to be, the removal of parishes and dioceses from The Episcopal Church (TEC).  Those parishes and church members in Albany who wish to remain faithful to the purpose and programs of the Episcopal Church nationally must now find their own way to do so.

Our goal will be to raise the visibility of The Episcopal Church throughout the diocese, and encourage our parishes and leadership to remain Episcopal in Albany.  To do that:

• This blog will comment on the news and issues facing the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion, with particular reference to our life in the Diocese of Albany.
• Our conversation will commend ways for our diocese to join with the national Episcopal Church in its work of reconciliation.
• We will identify resources of TEC available to the Episcopal Church in Albany, and encourage all Episcopalians to pursue the work God has given us to do.

Because this is a conversation, we invite everyone who visits here to add their comments and suggestions for future post topics.  As you do so, please pray for our national Episcopal Church and for our diocese.

Comments

[Anne Johnson]

This may seem nit-picking. But I think grammar is important and content here should be proof-read. It makes me cringe to read "everyone has their opinion" instead of "everyone has his or her opinion" or "people have their opinions." And when I hear a clergyman (e.g. our current bishop) preach saying "You made my wife and I feel welcome, " I just tune him out.