Services set for bishop Bertram Herlong

From Tennessee-

When Bertram Herlong was just a boy, the bishop of the Episcopal church in his native Florida laid his hands on him and predicted his future. “Boy, you’re going to go to seminary someday,” the wise bishop told the surprised and skeptical Mr. Herlong. The man was right. Not only did Mr. Herlong become a minister of the Episcopal church, he led Tennessee as the church’s bishop for 13 years before retiring in 2006.

Mr. Herlong died Friday evening at a local hospital after a six-year illness. He was 77.

Mr. Herlong, who lived in Nashville, led the diocese through a time of turmoil and change when Episcopalians were divided over its stances on sexuality and tradition. In 2003, the denomination accepted gay bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, stirring revulsion in the church. Mr. Herlong did not agree with the church’s decision but, unlike some church leaders nationwide, the bishop chose to remain with the church.

More here-

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20111024/NEWS/310240018/Services-set-for-church-bishop-Bertram-Herlong