Albany Consecrates a Coadjutor
09/20/2006

Three years ago, the Rev. William Love was so moved by the Ugandan healing ministry of the Rev. Mike Flynn, a non-stipendiary priest canonically resident in the Diocese of Los Angeles, that last year he accompanied Fr. Flynn on a return trip. He also asked the director of Fresh Wind Ministries to preach at his Sept. 16 consecration as Bishop Coadjutor of Albany.

During his sermon Fr. Flynn compared and contrasted the tree of knowledge and the tree of life described in the Book of Genesis. He gave three pieces of advice to liberals, including an exhortation to read, ponder and follow the “red print” (words in the gospels attributed to Jesus). He also gave three pieces of advice to conservatives, urging them to face themselves honestly and not to judge others. He closed urging both sides to find love and unity, the best witness of all to an unbelieving world, in the tree of life.

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold was the consecrator for the liturgy at the Empire State Plaza convention center. Co-consecrators were the Rt. Rev. Daniel Herzog, Bishop of Albany; the Rt. Rev. David Bena, Bishop Suffragan of Albany, and the Rt. Rev. David S. Ball, retired Bishop of Albany. Among the approximately 1,200 persons gathered to share in the three-hour celebration were all seven of the Albany priests who had been candidates, along with Bishop Love, for the election that took place March 25.

Bishop Love will automatically assume the episcopal office of diocesan upon the resignation of Bishop Herzog, who is 65. He has not announced a retirement date, but according to canon law, a diocesan bishop must step down no later than three years after a bishop coadjutor is consecrated. The Living Church