Zoom tribunal for US Bishop of Albany

From The Church Times-

A BISHOP in the Episcopal Church in the United States faced a disciplinary panel over Zoom last Friday for his refusal to allow clergy in his diocese to officiate at same-sex marriages. The hearing had been due to take place on 21 April (News, 4 October 2019).

The ministry of the Bishop of Albany, the Rt Revd William Love, was restricted in January 2019 after he wrote an open letter to his flock challenging the authority and legality of a recent General Convention resolution (News, 18 January 2019). The resolution requires that all bishops permit churches in their dioceses to solemnise same-sex marriages where it is legal under civil law.

Parishioners at St Andrew’s, Albany, burned copies of the Bishop’s letter on the church steps in outrage.

The Episcopal Church argues that the letter amounts to breaking ordination vows to “conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church”.

More here-

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2020/19-june/news/world/zoom-tribunal-for-us-bishop-of-albany

Episcopal Church holds hearing for bishop who refused to allow gay marriages in diocese

From Christian Post-

The Episcopal Church held a hearing in the case of a bishop who refused to allow for the blessing of same-sex marriages in his diocese.

Bishop William Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany was punished last year with a restriction on his ministerial duties after refusing to allow gay marriages in his diocese.

His case was brought before a Title IV Hearing Panel, which focuses on issues of ecclesiastical discipline whenever a clergyman is accused of misconduct.

Originally scheduled for April 21 before the shutdowns over coronavirus concerns, the hearing was held via Zoom teleconference on June 12 and posted on social media.

The teleconference hearing did not address the theological validity of Love’s views, but rather focused on whether the bishop’s actions violated Episcopal Church law.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-church-holds-hearing-for-bishop-who-refused-to-allow-gay-marriages-in-diocese.html

In disciplinary hearing, Albany Bishop William Love defends prohibition of same-sex marriage in his diocese

From ENS-

The dispute over Albany Bishop William Love’s prohibition of same-sex marriage in his diocese took a major step forward at a hearing on June 12, when The Episcopal Church laid out its charges of canonical violations against Love, whose counsel defended his actions as not conflicting with existing church canon law.

The hearing, conducted under the church’s Title IV disciplinary process, was originally scheduled to take place on April 21 in Colonie, New York, but was changed to a Zoom meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Title IV hearings are held when a member of clergy is accused of breaking their vows, or violating the church’s constitution and canons.

In this case, the church argued that, by prohibiting clergy in his diocese from using the same-sex marriage rites approved for churchwide use by General Convention, Love broke the vows he took when he was ordained a bishop to “conform to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of The Episcopal Church.”

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/06/12/in-disciplinary-hearing-albany-bishop-william-love-defends-prohibition-of-same-sex-marriage-in-his-diocese/

Albany bishop’s Title IV hearing in same-sex marriage case postponed

From ENS-

The Title IV hearing panel dealing with Albany Bishop William Love’s refusal to allow same-sex marriages in his diocese has been rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was originally set to take place on April 21 in Colonie, New York.

In 2018, after the passage of General Convention Resolution B012 — which allows same-sex marriages to be performed across the church, wherever it is legal to do so — Love issued a letter stating he would not abide by the resolution and would continue to block same-sex marriages in his diocese. During a House of Bishops meeting in September 2019, it was announced that Love would face a hearing under the church’s Title IV disciplinary process.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/04/22/albany-bishop-loves-title-iv-hearing-in-same-sex-marriage-case-postponed/

A trial that should shame all Anglicans

From Christian Today-

Turns out, however, that Bishop Curry seems to have forgotten his own sermon – at least if his treatment of a fellow bishop in the US is anything to go by. For in a few weeks' time the Bishop of Albany, William Love, will go on trial, after Michael Curry restricted his ministry just over a year ago.

You might rightly wonder about Bishop Love's crime.  Was he siphoning off diocesan money, for example? Has he had a series of secret affairs? Does he not believe the Bible or deny that Jesus is the Christ? Has he, perish the thought, engaged in repugnant sexual acts with children?

But no. Bishop Love has done none of those things. Bishop Love stands accused of believing what most Christians – Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and indeed Anglican – believe, and have always believed, about sex and marriage. His crime, if one can call it that, is not to permit same-sex marriages in his diocese.

More here-

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/a-trial-that-should-shame-all-anglicans/134377.htm

Longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church ordained to priesthood, installed as new rector

From New York-

A longtime member of St. John’s Episcopal Church was ordained to the priesthood and installed as the church’s new rector during ceremonies on Saturday afternoon.

Sonya A. Boyce was ordained by William Love, bishop of Albany, during the ceremony, which was attended by a full church of family and friends.

Among those in attendance was the Rev. Elizabeth Papazoglakis, who led St. John’s from 2013 to 2015.

“I cannot begin to tell you what a joy it is to be here today at St. John’s in Massena,” the Rev. Mrs. Papazoglakis said.

The Rev. Mrs. Papazoglakis said she had sensed that the Rev. Mrs. Boyce was a perfect candidate for the ministry.

More here-

https://www.nny360.com/communitynews/achievers/longtime-member-of-st-john-s-episcopal-church-ordained-to/article_12e3b101-79c0-5519-a2a2-b1f3032a40b1.html

Episcopal bishop who refuses to allow gay marriage in diocese to face hearing

From Christian Post-

A bishop of The Episcopal Church who has appealed a punishment for refusing to allow same-sex marriages in his diocese will go before a hearing panel to argue his case.

Bishop William Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany was punished last year by The Episcopal Church for refusing to enforce a recently enacted resolution allowing congregations in his regional body to bless same-sex marriages.

In a statement released Wednesday while attending the fall House of Bishops’ Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Bishop Love announced that the Title IV Reference Panel voted to refer his appeal to the Hearing Panel.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-bishop-who-refuses-to-allow-gay-marriage-in-diocese-to-face-hearing.html

Albany Episcopal Bishop Being Disciplined Over Same Sex Marriage Views

From Albany-

The Episcopal Church says Albany Bishop William Love will face a disciplinary hearing over his views on same-sex marriage.

In November of last year, Rev. Love vowed to continue prohibiting same-sex marriages in defiance of a church resolution.

He wrote that sexual relations between two men or two women were never part of God's plan, and as such, is to be avoided.

That led to controversy, with parishioners burning copies of Love's edict on the steps of St. Andrew's while it was being read inside.

According to the Times-Union the disciplinary arm of the church has voted to refer Love to a five-person hearing panel.

More here-

https://wgy.iheart.com/content/2019-09-19-albany-episcopal-bishop-being-disciplined-over-same-sex-marriage-views/

Disciplinary hearing ahead for Albany Episcopal bishop

From Albany-

The Albany Episcopal Diocese bishop who vowed to continue prohibiting same-sex marriages in defiance of the church's orders will face a disciplinary hearing, the Episcopal Church announced Wednesday.

In November 2018, the Rev. William H. Love spurned Episcopal Church Resolution B012, which had been passed earlier in the year and ordered bishops not to impede same-sex weddings. In an eight-page letter, Love wrote that Episcopalians who embraced same-sex relationships had been deceived by Satan, and said the Episcopal Church and "Western society" had been "hijacked by the 'Gay Rights Agenda.'"

"Sexual relations between two men or two women was never part of God's plan and is a distortion of His design in creation and as such is to be avoided," Love wrote. "To engage in sexual intimacy outside of marriage between a man and women, is against God's will and therefore sinful and needs to be repented of, NOT encouraged or told it is ok."

More here-

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Albany-bishop-who-refused-Episcopal-acceptance-of-14450905.php 

and here-

http://anglican.ink/2019/09/18/further-action-on-bishop-william-loves-november-10-2018-pastoral-letter-and-pastoral-directive/?fbclid=IwAR3PPq6WmnYmM5oeDngue9R1BLsPNzO0_2ZqqnCLJtJSPx7jp_RaN1YA_sY

Bethesda Episcopal Church of Saratoga Springs creates nonprofit to help homeless

From New York-

The Spa City’s Bethesda Episcopal Church recently announced the formation of a new nonprofit to help the homeless.

Bethesda Episcopal Church of Saratoga Springs recently created Mercy House of Saratoga, Inc., a new, non-denominational, non-profit that will provide temporary residences for a wide range of needy people.

Mercy House will offer housing in a four-story, 30,000 square-foot building that will be constructed at 26-28 Washington Street, just off Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The building will also serve as the parish house for the church.

Construction for the $9 million building is expected to begin by the end of 2019.
“Mercy House was formed to further our religious mission to help people in need,” said Darren Miller, Bethesda's Senior Warden, in a press release. “When the Bethesda congregation began planning our new parish house, we saw the opportunity to do more for the Saratoga community. Mercy House will offer hope to people who are facing a tough stretch in their lives.

More here-

https://www.saratogian.com/news/bethesda-episcopal-church-of-saratoga-springs-creates-nonprofit-to-help/article_4fe42570-5f87-11e9-a180-2f6a1b509042.html

Episcopal Minister Penalized After Prohibiting Pastors in His Diocese From Officiating Same-Sex Ceremonies

From Christian News-

Michael Curry, the presiding “bishop” and primate of the apostatized Episcopal Church, has issued a partial restriction against a New York minister who recently released a directive prohibiting any pastors in his jurisdiction from officiating same-sex “weddings.”

Curry, who had been chosen to deliver a message at last year’s royal wedding in the United Kingdom, recently forbade William Love of the Diocese of Albany from participating in any disciplinary procedures against clergy in his diocese who participate in homosexual ceremonies.

“I am … persuaded that as presiding bishop I am called upon to take steps to ensure that same-sex marriage in The Episcopal Church is available to all persons to the same extent and under the same conditions in all Dioceses of the Church where same-sex marriage is civilly legal,” Curry wrote in a response published by the Episcopal News Service.

He stated that while he believes that Love’s convictions about homosexuality are sincere and of “good will,” he noted that a resolution passed last year at the General Convention, B012, requires ministers who object to same-sex “marriage” to contact another member of the clergy to officiate in their place. Therefore, Love can’t ban all clergy under his authority from officiating such ceremonies.

More here-

https://christiannews.net/2019/01/17/episcopal-minister-penalized-after-prohibiting-pastors-in-his-diocese-from-officiating-same-sex-ceremonies/

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry partially restricts Bishop William Love’s authority for refusing to obey General Convention

From ENS-

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has temporarily restricted part of Diocese of Albany Bishop William Love’s ministry because of Love’s refusal to allow same-sex marriages after General Convention mandated liturgical marriage equality in the church’s U.S. dioceses.

Love is “forbidden from participating in any matter regarding any member of the clergy that involves the issue of same-sex marriage,” Curry said in a document released Jan. 11. The restriction applies both to the Episcopal Church’s formal Title IV disciplinary process and to any action “that has or may have the effect of penalizing in any way any member of the clergy or laity or worshipping congregation of his diocese for their participation in the arrangements for or participation in a same-sex marriage in his diocese or elsewhere.”

The restriction appears to enable clergy in the upstate New York diocese to solemnize the marriages of gay and lesbian couples, something Love steadfastly refused to allow.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/01/11/presiding-bishop-bars-albany-bishop-from-punishing-priests-for-same-sex-marriages-seeks-discipline-proceeding-for-possible-canonical-offense/

 

A Christmas Message from Bishop Love

From Albany-

These are the very questions that I recently found myself struggling with as I tried to discern God’s will in knowing how best to respond, as the Bishop of Albany, to General Convention Resolution B012. After much thought, prayer and wrestling not so much with God, but with myself, I issued the Pastoral Letter which I believe the Lord called me to share. It has spread throughout the world touching the hearts and minds of people in ways that I never would have imagined. For many it was seen as an inspiration and encouragement, upholding the faith; for others, unfortunately, it was seen as a personal attack – something I never intended or wanted. K
As I write to you now, I don’t know what the future holds. There is a strong possibility that I may be facing Title IV disciplinary proceedings for my unwillingness to abide by General Convention Resolution B012. As I stated in the Pastoral Letter, it was “not out of mean-spiritedness, hatred, bigotry, judgmentalism, or homophobia” that I have taken the actions that I have, “but rather out of love – love for God and His Word; love for The Episcopal Church and wider Anglican Communion; love for each of you my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, especially love for those who are struggling with same-sex attractions.” Whatever the outcome, I trust and believe that God will use it for His purposes and the benefit of His Church and people.

More here-

https://albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/2018/12/10/a-christmas-message-from-bishop-bill/?fbclid=IwAR01xSnLOXnhcpW2hh17bgKQscPSHyLD1ZQB7UEBpImYO0ZquPAmnefgOUo

Episcopal Church Head Michael Curry Responds to Bishop's Refusal to Allow Gay Marriage in Diocese

From Christian Post-

The head of The Episcopal Church has said that he's deciding on what actions to take after the bishop of a New York State-based diocese has refused to officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Bishop William Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany released a lengthy pastoral letter last week stating that he will not allow same-sex weddings in his churches, despite a recently approved resolution mandating them for all dioceses.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who supports same-sex marriage and leads the mainline Protestant denomination, released a statement earlier this week explaining that he's "assessing the implications of the statement and will make determinations about appropriate actions soon."

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-church-head-michael-curry-responds-bishops-refusal-gay-marriage-diocese-228569/

Bishop Love listening to pros and cons

From Albany-

Albany Episcopal Bishop William H. Love has gotten lots of feedback, both pro and con, since releasing his "pastoral direction" on Saturday outlawing the officiating of same-sex weddings in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.

"I have received hundreds of emails and phone calls from all over the United States as well as Canada, Europe, Central America and New Zealand," said Love, in a written statement Thursday. "Most have been very encouraging and supportive of the stand I have taken upholding Holy Scripture and the Church's traditional understanding of Christian marriage, which dates back over 2,000 years.
"However, there are also a number of emails that are opposed to the actions I have taken and have expressed the anger and hurt they feel. I can understand and appreciate the variety of views that have been expressed."

Love's directive came after meeting with Episcopal priests from the Albany Diocese in September, following the passage of Resolution BO12 in July at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas. That directive, while not allowing same-sex marriage to become part of the denomination's theology, did make it OK for Episcopal ministers to conduct same-sex weddings. While 93 bishops concurred with the decision, Love was one of eight from around the U.S. who continue to prohibit same-sex weddings in their diocese.

More here-

https://dailygazette.com/article/2018/11/15/bishop-love-listening-to-pros-and-cons

Bishop of CNY Episcopal Diocese maintains support for same-sex marriage

From Central New York-

The issue of gay marriage is at the heart of a disagreement in the Episcopal Church in upstate New York. An Albany Bishop has banned same-sex marriage in his diocese, going so far as to say in a letter to the Albany Diocese that the church has been 'hijacked by the 'gay rights agenda,'" with Satan at the source of this division in the church. 

But the Bishop of the Central New York Diocese strongly disagrees.

Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe said she was aware that Bishop William Love and others have struggled with the concept of gay marriage in the Episcopal Church, but was surprised at the severity in tone of Love's letter.

"Even if we disagree about what morality might be, we must love one another," Duncan-Probe said. "So I too was troubled when he invoked the term Satan, because I think it was more damaging than he realizes."

More here-

http://www.wrvo.org/post/bishop-cny-episcopal-diocese-maintains-support-same-sex-marriage

Episcopal Bishop of Albany Rejects 'Gay Marriage,' a 'Lie' From 'Satan'

More from Albany-

The Rt. Rev. William H. Love, the Episcopal bishop of Albany, N.Y., released a "pastoral directive" on Nov. 10 stating that recently approved "gay marriage" rites shall "not be used anywhere" by the clergy in his diocese. He also stated that people in the Episcopal Church who think same-sex marriage is a good thing "have been deceived into believing a lie" spun by the "great deceiver" -- Satan.

In July, the Episcopal Church leaders voted to approve Resolution B012, which set the policy for performing gay marriages. The policy provides "gender-neutral marriage rites" and affirms that Episcopal clergy may perform the rite even if their bishop objects. Episcopal priests perfomring the gay marriages are allowed to seek "pastoral support" from a bishop of another diocese, if needed.  The new rite is scheduled to go into effect in December. 

More here-

https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/michael-w-chapman/episcopal-bishop-albany-rejects-gay-marriage-lie-satan

and here-

https://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/30643-ny-episcopal-bishop-bans-same-sex-marriages

and here-

https://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/albanys-episcopal-bishop-bans-sex-marriages-dioceses-churches

and here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/11/14/tensions-rise-in-diocese-of-albany-over-bishops-rejection-same-sex-marriage-compromise/

After Episcopal bishop's marriage stance, a church ponders the future

From Albany-

After Bishop William Love released a strongly worded letter definitively rejecting gay marriage in the Episcopal diocese of Albany – and directly opposing the stance of the national church – those who agree with the bishop and those who disagree considered the future of the diocese.

The big question: What next? Parishioners leaving churches? Or even whole churches splitting away, complete with legal and property disputes? The short answer: No one knows. Much will depend on the formal response from the U.S. Episcopal Church, which has not yet taken specific action or suggested what such action might entail.

More here-

https://www.timesunion.com/7dayarchive/article/After-Episcopal-bishop-s-letter-on-gay-marriage-13389071.php

CNY Episcopal Bishop: Gay marriages still welcome here despite Albany bishop's refusal

From Central NY-

The bishop who oversees the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York reaffirmed her support of gay marriage today after her fellow bishop in Albany voiced his opposition.

The local diocese, since 2015, has had a policy to be "open and affirm all marriages between adults, regardless of gender identity or orientation," Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Monday. "We are called by God to love one another with honor, dignity and integrity, seeking the best of the other person."

Her Albany counterpart, Bishop William Love, issued an edict Saturday banning the marriage of same-sex couples in the Albany diocese's churches. He cited portions of the Old and New Testament to argue that same-sex marriage is not biblical.

More here-

https://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2018/11/cny_episcopal_bishop_gay_marriages_still_welcome_despite_albany_bishops_refusal.html

Episcopal bishop goes against church leaders, bans same-sex marriages

About Albany (More links below)-

An Episcopal bishop in upstate New York says the church has been "hijacked by the 'Gay Rights Agenda'" in a directive barring same-sex marriages in his diocese.

The pastoral directive from The Rev. William Love, who is based in Albany, New York, highlights lingering opposition three weeks before a resolution goes into effect setting rules for same-sex marriages in Episcopal churches nationwide. Love's letter sent Saturday said the policy going into effect Dec. 2 "turns upside down over 2000 years of Church teaching" about marriage.

"The Episcopal Church and Western Society have been hijacked by the 'Gay Rights Agenda,' which is very well organized, very strategic, very well financed, and very powerful," Love wrote in the eight-page letter.

More here-

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/episcopal-bishop-goes-against-church-leaders-bans-same-sex-marriages-n935491 

and here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/11/12/albany-bishop-rejects-general-convention-compromise-on-gay-marriage-refuses-to-allow-rites/

and here-

https://poststar.com/news/local/local-churches-react-to-albany-episcopal-bishop-s-same-sex/article_6b83153b-6e65-5d92-b751-8fba05bc664f.html

and here-

https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Albany-Episcopal-Bishop-outlaws-same-sex-marriage-13381964.php

and here-

https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/us-episcopal-diocese-same-sex-marriage/2018/11/12/id/890295/

and here-

https://www.whec.com/news/top-episcopal-responds-to-same-sex-marriage-ban/5142243/?cat=565