"As currently constituted our parish is an anachronism, striving to retain vestiges of a faith abandoned by the institution of which we are a part."

Bergman said that reality became strikingly clear in the wake of General Convention 2003, when a divorced and unchaste man was confirmed to serve as the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire. "Our diocesan delegation, along with our bishop, supported this innovation, placing our parish squarely in the minority both locally and nationally."

"In addition, the Lambeth Commission through the Windsor Report recommended only minor penalties for the Episcopal Church’s breach of Anglican norms, and the leadership of ECUSA has shown little inclination to repent and reverse their actions."

Bergman said he was confronted with a choice whether to attempt to remain as we have always been or to follow in the direction the majority of our brother and sister Episcopalians have made clear they intend to take this church.

"To stand firm in the Gospel will be costly, requiring of our parish sacrifices that some among us are unwilling to suffer. But to go along to get along will cost us as well, as the consciences of many of our members are afflicted with the knowledge that their continued presence makes them complicit in the propagation of propositions they do not believe, ministers in a church they do not recognize as the one into which they were baptized and confirmed. I find myself in the latter position."

Bergman said his conscience was offended for three reasons. "First, in its divisions the Episcopal Church offers the world a divided witness. With regard to issues such as the nature of salvation, the power of Christ to transform lives, and male/female complementarity, doctrine I am required to teach as a priest, the Episcopal Church no longer has my back. Dissenters can appeal to authorities within the Episcopal Church that contradict my assertions, and our ministry to the world is thus undermined. Second, Catholic polity requires that we as a parish monetarily support the ministry of our bishop."

"What Bethlehem Bishop Paul Marshall teaches on particular issues differs so greatly from what I believe and teach I cannot in good conscience offer this support without being complicit in what I am convinced is the dissemination of falsehood. Nor can I reasonably be expected to request such support from you [the pariah]."

"Third, as a minority whose beliefs are not supported by our fellow Episcopalians the most we can hope for within this denomination is to preserve what we have. I have no desire to build and preserve a fortress, but I have a strong desire to evangelize those who do not know Jesus. As long as we are concentrated upon preservation, the Gospel imperative is compromised, for we have assumed the defensive posture of the enemies of the Church."

Bergman said that only a consistent offense can win converts to Christ, and confusion on the part of teachers and hearers serves simply to inhibit our mission.

"As I am unwilling to compromise in these matters of faith and morals, because I believe to do so would imperil my soul and the souls of those in my cure, I am uncertain of my ability to continue to serve as a priest in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Such uncertainty does not lend itself very well to the devotion and commitment that being a rector of a parish family requires."

Bergman said his leaving would allow those who have reservations about further supporting this ministry to withdraw their pledges and those who have withheld their support because of my presence here to renew their commitment to their church.

Bergman said he would seek secular employment, a course of action approved of by Bishop Marshall. The priest praised Marshall's efforts to assist him in this endeavor, and anyone inclined to help him secure employment to support his family. He said he would, during this time, undertake a period of intentional discernment to ascertain how God was calling him to continue serving Him in the work of evangelizing those who do not yet know the joy of life in Jesus Christ.

During his five years Bergman successfully breathed new life into the parish, bringing growth and restoring its finances.

Bishop Marshall responde saying, "I have had the privilege of teaching Fr. Bergman throughout his seminary career in New Haven and then of ordaining him here in Bethlehem. I know him to be a man of honor and integrity, and know that he did not come to his points of view or his point of decision suddenly or on a whim. We have been in constant communication during his process of sorting out his next steps.
He sought my counsel on when and how to communicate his decision to his parish. He is entering a period of deep discernment, and at my suggestion and request, has not resigned his orders in the Episcopal Church, so that all doors remain open to him. He has described himself as entering a period of discernment. It is our mutual intention to remain in conversation with and prayer for each other. I have promised him every assistance and recommendation as he seeks temporary secular employment. Personally, it is a matter of some pain for me to see someone who is a kind of son in such distress, and I will continue to be available to Fr. Bergman in every way I can. As he and Mrs. Bergman await the birth of their third child early next month, they are especially in my prayers."

Marshall said his staff would work with the lay leaders of Good Shepherd to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase in their life.

END