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
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. the rest

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