Bishop Herzog Joins the Roman Catholic Church

The Living Church Foundation ^ | 03/29/2007

[monkapotamus]

Latest News

Bishop Herzog Joins the Roman Catholic Church
03/29/2007

The Rt. Rev. William H. Love, Bishop of Albany, has appealed for unity following news that his predecessor has entered into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

The Rt. Rev. Daniel Herzog retired as Bishop of Albany Jan. 31. Bishop Love said he learned of Bishop Herzog’s decision in a letter dated March 19 which he received upon his return from the spring retreat of the House of Bishops.

“The recent retirement and subsequent departure of both Bishop Dan [Herzog] and Bishop Dave [Bena] from The Episcopal Church can’t help but have a major impact on each of us and our diocese,” Bishop Love stated in a letter. “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.”

In his letter to Bishop Love, Bishop Herzog stated that his decision was based on more than three years of focused prayer and study.

“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,” he wrote. “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 35 years of our lives.”

Bishop Herzog’s departure comes less than a month after it was revealed that before his retirement, Bishop Herzog had agreed to transfer the canonical ministry license of Bishop Suffragan David Bena to the Anglican Church of Nigeria. Bishop Love said both former bishops remain “good friends” and will continue to be welcome at all diocesan functions.

To find more news, feature articles, and commentary about the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion not available online, read The Living Church magazine each week. Call 1-800-211-2771 today to start your subscription.

[monkapotamus]

ping

[big'ol_freeper]

All I can say to the bishop is welcome home!! May many more follow you.

[ex-snook]

As John Henry Newman, the founder of the English Oxford movement in 1833 puts it, converts come to the Catholic Church "not so much to lose what they have, but to gain what they have not".

It is the same today. Bishops join the Catholic Church, they do not leave. Truth is truth.

[NYer]

THIS IS MAJOR NEWS!

The Right Reverend Daniel W. Herzog

Here in Albany, I always found it amazing that Anglicans had such a traditional bishop while his RC counterpart was on the opposite poll. As a Catholic in the Albany Diocese, I truly welcome him to the fold.

[ArrogantBustard]

Bishop Love is welcome to come on over, too, if he likes ...

[Mad Dawg]

It's kind of weird for us former clergydudes, but whatever I lost (which in my case wasn't much -- I was never really good at this clergy stuff) has been repaid a thousandfold! Even the concomitant (but rare) persecutions are a gift.

But oh my goodness it's great to be home ...

So I'm happy for the bishop, and I hope he can hold on for the ride. I'd LOVE to be able to chat with him.

[Cheverus]

How old is he? I'm wondering if he'll apply for Ordination under the Pastoral Provision - though he may have to relocate given that Hubbard is the Latin Rite Catholic Bishop in that part of the world.

Did he wife make the switch too?

[NYer]

Something tells me we'll be seing him on EWTN's program The Journey Home , sometime in the future.

[monkapotamus]

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=5769

ALBANY: BISHOP HERZOG AND WIFE RETURN TO ROME

3/28/2007

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.

More

[Macoraba]

WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!! I know of a few Catholic Bishops that I'd like to send over to the Episcopalians!

[NYer]

News is spreading fast through the blogosphere. From Fr. Dwight Longenecker (another convert)

---

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Episcopal Bishop Comes Home to Rome

Daniel Herzog, The Episcopal Bishop of Albany has been received into full communion with the Catholic Church. Here's the story.

The detail that interests me is that (if I understand correctly) he somehow transferred his suffragan Bishop's allegiance to an African bishop before resigning and handing over to his Episcopal successor. Can anyone illuminate us on the details of this?

Welcome home Bishop Daniel! I hope and pray that your gifts of faith and love will be fully appreciated and used in the Catholic Church.

You can follow Anglican comments at Titusonenine.

[NYer]

I'm wondering if he'll apply for Ordination under the Pastoral Provision - though he may have to relocate given that Hubbard is the Latin Rite Catholic Bishop in that part of the world.

Just watched the local news and nothing about this was reported. So, it's breaking first on the Internet.

Like you, I am also wondering how this is being handled by the RC Diocese. If you only knew how totally opposite these Hubbard is from Herzog. Were it possible, the Albany Diocese under Hubbard would look like ECUSA does now. But, mercifully, that is not possible - not now - not ever. So my curiosity is now piqued. Will Herzog be ordained under the Pastoral Provision and, if so, is it possible that an Anglican Use Rite would be established in Albany? That would not only attract the fleeing Anglicans but some of the traditionalist Catholics who wander this diocese in search of more reverent liturgies.

As for the 2nd part of your question, Herzog poses no threat to Hubbard. The Catholic Church does not elevate married priests to the rank of bishop.

[annalex]

Welcome home, bishop.

[Salvation]

To the bishop and his predecessor:

Welcome home!

[Running On Empty]

Greetings, Bishop Herzog and many good years ahead.

[phatus maximus]

I didn't know Whitey was a bishop...all this time I thought he was a cardinal...

[Huber]

Thanks to monkapotamus for the ping.

Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams.

FReepmail Huber if you want on or off this moderately high-volume ping list (typically 3-9 pings/day).
This list is pinged by Huber.

Resource for Traditional Anglicans: http://trad-anglican.faithweb.com
Humor: The Anglican Blue

Speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

[monkapotamus]

Another article:

http://www.episcopal-life.org/79901_84564_ENG_HTM.htm

[NYer]

Apparently, Herzog has returned to the Catholic Church. Here's the story from the Albany Times Union

Former Albany Episcopal Bishop David Ball, reached at home before midnight, said Herzog was a Roman Catholic until about 35 years ago. Herzog graduated from St. Bonaventure University, a Catholic school, in 1964.

Ball described the move as "extremely rare" and could not recall a similar situation.

Retired Episcopal bishop joins Catholics

[Andrew Byler]

Can we replace Bishop Hubbard with him?

[Andrew Byler]

Maybe we could arrange a trade. We'll give them Hubbard and Co., they give us their tradtionalist parishes.

[Romulus]

The Rt. Rev. William H. Love, Bishop of Albany, has appealed for unity

Unintentional irony alert.

[NYer]

Maybe we could arrange a trade. We'll give them Hubbard and Co., they give us their tradtionalist parishes.

Lol ... at one time I actually considered switching but that teeny tiny voice inside, would not allow it :-).

[utahagen]

I believe Herzog was raised a Roman Catholic, which may mean he can't benefit from the loophole that allows Anglican priests to convert to Catholicism and stay married.

[Cheverus]

I don't know the particulars of the ruling, I would guess if he was not confirmed he might be eligible.

I'm sure it is all spelled out.

Does anyone know the particulars?

[Nihil Obstat]

hi-yo

[phatus maximus]

I was wondering if anyone would get that...cheers!

[monkapotamus]

http://lent.classicalanglican.net/

(the letter Bp. Love refers to: from Dan and Carol Herzog)
612 South Shore Road
Delanson, NY 12053

March 19, 2007
Feast of Saint Joseph

The Right Reverend William H. Love Bishop of Albany
68 South Swan Street
Albany, NY 12210

Dear Bishop Bishop Bill,

I have written to the Presiding Bishop to advise here 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

[NYer]

Thanks for posting Bishop Herzog's letter.

The full picture is slowly emerging. Apparently, Herzog was raised a Catholic, attended Catholic schools and even entered the seminary. He left the seminary to marry his wife, then switched over to TEC so he could pursue his desire to serve as a priest. Given that background, it is extremely doubtful Bishop Hubbard would allow him to serve as a priest under the Pastoral Provision.

The truly remarkable aspect of his 'reversion' is that, at age 65, he has abandoned everything to return to the Catholic Church. Would this not also include his pension?

[monkapotamus]

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=577210&category=REGION&newsdate=4/2/2007&TextPage=1

Cleric's decision saddens his flock

Former Episcopal bishop returned to Roman Catholic Church in wake of divisions over consecration of a gay bishop

By MARC PARRY, Staff writer

First published: Monday, April 2, 2007

SCHENECTADY -- Daniel Herzog received the gift upon his ordination as bishop of Albany: a ring from the Schenectady parish he served before rising to his new position. The Episcopal ring, like a wedding band, signified Herzog's bond to his church.

On Sunday, the start of Holy Week, parishioners at Schenectady's Christ Church gathered for first Sunday services since the stunning revelation that their former rector had severed his Episcopal bonds to rejoin the Roman Catholic Church.

"I'm heartbroken about the fact that he's leaving, because he had so much to offer," said Nancy White, 84, a parishioner for more than 60 years. "He did so much."

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany announced Thursday that Herzog, who retired in January after eight years as bishop, had become one of only a handful of bishops ever to join another church.

In a letter disclosing his return to Catholicism, Herzog alluded to the turmoil that has roiled the Episcopal Church since the 2003 consecration of V. Gene Robinson as its first openly gay bishop. Herzog was a national leader among opponents to gay clergy.

News of his departure, posted on the Christ Church bulletin board, aroused mixed feelings in the roughly 100 parishioners who filed into the tan-brick church on State Street for Palm Sunday services.

They said Herzog would always be welcome in their church, even as the move means he is no longer an Episcopal bishop or priest. They lamented the loss of a beloved leader they came to know better than most worshipers in the 19-county diocese. They trusted the judgment of a man one parishioner called "very close to the Lord."

"That doesn't necessarily mean that God is calling us to make that same choice," said Torre Bissell, 68, a Schenectady resident who leads a Bible-study class with his wife. "This is certainly a time of choices in the Episcopal Church."

That turmoil intruded into a special day. Palm Sunday opens Holy Week by remembering Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem at the start of the final week of his life.

Christ Church celebrated it with a procession around the block. Palm-carrying parishioners marched behind a cross, joined by two candle-bearing children whose sneakers were visible beneath their white robes and an acoustic guitarist whose strumming competed with State Street traffic.

Inside, the Rev. N. Bradley Jones told parishioners what most probably already knew: that Herzog and his wife had returned to Catholicism. He urged them to resist the "temptation" of trying "to get in their minds and thoughts."

"What we do know is God called Dan to be bishop of this diocese at exactly the time he needed to be bishop of this diocese," Jones said. "He did what he was called to do, and for that we can give thanks."

What he did wasn't always popular. Critics have accused Herzog of everything from concealing church finances to sidelining those who didn't share his theological beliefs.

But parishioners interviewed Sunday focused on the energetic, approachable, unifying figure who became rector of their church in 1995.

Father Dan, as they called him, tried to involve all church members in the life of their parish. One parishioner, James Loveless, remembered how Herzog helped him fight alcoholism. The 48-year-old also recalled phone calls from Herzog when he skipped services -- and Herzog's encouragement to attend the longer, second service rather than the shorter, first one.

"You need a little more Christ," Herzog would say.

Forest Rittgers Jr., who led the search that brought Herzog to Christ Church, described himself as saddened by the news. "Sad that the state of The Episcopal Church had gotten to a point that they felt they had to make such a decision in order to remain faithful.

"I am NOT among those who feel betrayed, disillusioned or let down," he wrote in an e-mail to the Times Union. "He provided outstanding leadership for our diocese for almost 10 years during one of the most difficult periods in the history of the Church."

Riggers added, "He may have resigned his Holy Orders, but he'll always be Bishop Dan to me."

Marc Parry can be reached at 454-5057 or by e-mail at mparry@timesunion.com.

[NYer]

Interesting ... On the one hand ...

They trusted the judgment of a man one parishioner called "very close to the Lord."

while on the other ...

"That doesn't necessarily mean that God is calling us to make that same choice,"

If he was such a good shepherd, perhaps the flock should follow him. They would certainly have felt at home at the Tenebrae service I attended last night, at St. Mary's in Waterford.

[NYer]

Just found the following on a blog ... if only it were true!

---

Albany Bishop Joins Roman Catholic Church

Posted by: Diogenes - Apr. 01, 2007 12:53 AM ET USA

April Fool!

Headlines can be cruelly deceptive, Amanda. It wasn't that Albany bishop.

Still, nothing prevents us from praying for a twofer.

[ArrogantBustard]

I believe Herzog was raised a Roman Catholic, which may mean he can't benefit from the loophole that allows Anglican priests to convert to Catholicism and stay married.

Actually, you have that backwards.

His marriage is presumed to be valid. His Anglican ordination is not valid. (Unlike Orthodox Ordinations). So he's married. That's an accomplished fact. The question is whether, under the existing Pastoral Provision, he would be Ordained.

[utahagen]

I never said that Harzog wasn’t validly married! I think the bar to his possibly becoming a Catholic priest (under the loophole for married Anglican priests) is that he grew up Catholic.

[Revenge of Sith]

Actually, at least one of the married Episcopal priests who became Catholic was born Catholic.

[utahagen]

You’re right. But I believe that priest had been baptised Catholic and raised from that point on Episcopalian. The logic behind letting that particular married Episcopal priest become a Catholic priest was that he had never adandoned the Catholic faith; he had no control over having been raised Episcopalian from, say, age one year old. Herzog, on the other hand, was a Catholic until at least his early twenties. (I am not criticising Herzog! I think he’s a great man. Perhaps the existing loophole will be further expanded to let Bishop Herzog become a Catholic priest. Right now, however, the loophole doesn’t apply to him.)

[trisham]

Wonderful news.

[joffridus]

Actually, his pension is his to keep, regardless of what he does from this point on. It is technically his money that was put into the fund, so he can continue to draw on it no matter what. (I know this because my father, as an Episcopal priest, has the same pension fund)