Sauls is trying to discredit him by not renewing his license. Sauls pathological hatred of orthodoxy reared its ugly head one too many times and four priests willingly gave up their Episcopal affiliation because of the bishop's errant stands on theology and morals.

"In an email to the clergy of the Diocese of Lexington Sauls said that Baucum's license would not be renewed because he was transferred to the Diocese of London last year by his former West Missouri bishop without his permission.

"This action on my part was taken with the full knowledge of Bob Sessum, for whom Tory works at Good Shepherd," said Sauls.

Sauls then wrote saying that Tory had offered to transfer to the Diocese of Albany, which he told him would require further conversation between Bob, the Bishop of Albany, Tory, and me. "My reason is that it has been reported to me that the Bishop of Albany has apparently been unwilling to cooperate in stopping priests of his diocese from functioning in other dioceses contrary to our canons."

In a personal E-mail response, Herzog blasted Sauls saying, "I was surprised to read about myself in a memo you widely distributed this past week, especially since you never bothered to call me. All bishops have each other's office and home telephone numbers. So much for collegiality."

"You took it upon yourself to describe me as 'apparently been unwilling to cooperate in stopping priests of his Diocese from functioning in other dioceses contrary to our canons.' Really?

"How many dioceses? Please enumerate them. And your sources?"

Then Herzog ripped into Sauls over geography, canons and the gospel.

"Leading a church on the basis of geography and canons instead of the gospel and mission has brought our beloved Church to further lows. The most recent interim report of our Standing Commission on Evangelism and Domestic Mission (January 2005) reports that our church is indeed doubling - but doubling in the rate of decline. Do you think we should drive out more people? Or just godly priests like Tory?"

"Behavior like this contributes to a climate fostering decline," said Herzog

Herzog praised Fr. Baucum saying, "Father Baucum just completed three weekends of teaching and preaching in the Diocese of Albany. He was well received by laity and clergy of all viewpoints. He never uttered any criticism of you. In fact he praised the good will of his rector and his congregation. It must have been a cruel insult to this man of God who has spent his ministry building up the Church, its leaders and members."

"Maybe you think that if you just knock off enough orthodox clergy that you will triumph. In the short run you probably will. In the long run what it will do is contribute to further decline and marginalization of what once was a great church. The next time you choose to draw me into your media wars, give me a call."

Bishop Sauls did not reply.

END