(Via email–KSH).
The Right Reverend Keith L. Ackerman, VIIIth Bishop of Quincy, has announced to the Standing Committee his retirement as Diocesan Bishop effective November 1st, 2008. Bishop Ackerman has reached this decision after much thought and prayer. The Bishop and his wife Jo conferred with his physicians, many trusted friends, and the Standing Committee before making this decision.
While Bishop Ackerman is retiring from his administrative duties as executive officer of the Diocese, he plans to remain in the area of the Diocese for some time and will make himself available, under arrangement with the Standing Committee, to perform Episcopal acts and provide spiritual counsel to members of the Diocese, as have Bishop Donald Parsons and Bishop Edward MacBurney, the VIth and VIIth Bishops of Quincy.
Under diocesan canons, the Standing Committee will continue to act as the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese, as they have since the Bishop’s sabbatical began in late August. Day to day operations of the diocese will continue to be handled by the various officers and department heads.
Bishop Ackerman wants to assure everyone that he has no intention of abandoning the diocese but will continue to provide spiritual and pastoral support as asked by the Standing Committee.
Whoa. What’s this about??
The rejection of the pastoral scheme in March of 2007 foreshadowed exactly this sort of cleansing of the orthodox…no safe harbor, and no end to the persecution…Bishop Keith is right…get out with your life…this is not about a clear stand for faith, but about one’s own spiritual/physical health…if you stand for the faith in TEC there is no one standing behind you…
“What’s this about?”
Good question. Perhaps Bp. Ackerman’s retirement reflects a decision not to spend the next five years of his life as a litigant. He is a kind, gentle man.
His retirement helps remove both the pretext and the incentive for BeerKat to depose him.
Considering that the Presiding Bishop and her sock puppets capped an elderly, retired bishop whose wife has Alzheimer’s, I don’t think Ackerman’s retirement will slow any of them down. If Quincy so much as glances at the exit, I expect Ackerman to be “deposed,” the Quincy Standing Committee declared nonexistent by the Maximum Leader and one more diocese to be added to TEO’s universalist, non-Christian empire.
[blockquote]Good question. Perhaps Bp. Ackerman’s retirement reflects a decision not to spend the next five years of his life as a litigant. He is a kind, gentle man. [/blockquote]
I agree in full, but having led his diocese to the brink of secession from TEC, isn’t this a bit untimely? Does it stop cold that process and, if so, what does it say about the diocese?
I dunno. The release does say he consulted with his doctors….
w.w
If fair was fair and the issues were the issues…Keith could handle it…but given the ruthlessness of JKS in her all out assault on anyone who crosses her…bailing out is the only smart thing to do…
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God bless you, Bishop Ackerman.
Seen from the Communion perspective TEC is a rather small, if not tiny, church so all this talk of fear of Mrs Schori is rather curious. Perhaps the fear is on the other side and perhaps for good reason. They seem to be in a rut and unable to do anything except behave badly.
Prayers for Bishop Ackerman and the diocese of Quincy who are apparently going to be doing things the Pittsburgh way.
#9 — you are right in every way. It has always struck many of us very curious that the PB and ‘national church’ would be exalted to some very formidable status, and then everything would turn on fighting an ‘away game.’ Having been in situation where the genuine power was on ‘the other side’ (1979-98 at Yale), the struggle inside TEC seemed always one where the cards were never really in the hands of those claiming power. Keep pressing your point please. The fear of many of us inside ACI is that perspective is hard to come by and stand within, given the global Communion and its reality, over against a tiny, in many ways confused and wrong-footed, TEC overreach.
TEC is like a wild animal: Corner it, and it will lash out and strike wherever it can. Ergo the “depositions” of faithful clergy who have the temerity who stand up for the Lord!
retiring on 3 days notice? there must be more to the story. how old is the Bishop?
#10…ask one of the clergy being sued…it might give you some perspective…this is hard ball down here in the states
Although technically a TEC bishop needs the permission of the HoB to retire, I think that’s pretty much a moot point here. Once Quincy votes to leave on November 7th, the Standing Committee will have little reason to care what the House of Bishops thinks on that score.
I suspect +Ackerman’s medical condition may have worsened, which would be sad indeed during this crucial transition time. Although he is a short man, he is a spiritual giant.
May the Lord uphold and guide both +Ackerman and the small but faithful Diocese of Quincy.
David Handy+
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This announcement, although short on details which presumably be forthcoming, gives the occasion of the reiteration of praise and admiration for one of the true living saints of our day. A symbol of unity among the faithful, he is widely admired and been a point of agreement and inspiration to disparate groups whether anglo-catholic, evangelical or charismatic. Amidst the syncretism of the national church’s decline, he provides an anchor and encouragement to those who desire to live the faith once delivered. We have often and will continue to pray for Bishop Keith, our shepherd and Father in Christ.
The announcement surprised me as it did many. However, I would be so bold as to suggest that anyone who thinks that Bishop Ackerman is taking “the easy way out” does not know the man. I think we can indeed be assured that he is indeed acting on medical advice, and also that he means what he says when he states that he will not abandon the diocese. We can also be confident that the reason for the short notice, rather than several weeks notice, may have more to do with what is best for the diocese than with what is best personally for Keith Ackerman.
Dr. Seitz (#10)- I would certainly agree with you that TEC is overreaching, and showing all the signs of an organization in its death throes- however, if one were being tossed out of one’s family church, or deprived of one’s orders, the power of TEC seems all too real. The powers that be in the Communion have risked splitting the Communion in half in an effort to compromise with this tiny little US church- and caused immeasurable damage, even if the Communion is salvaged. Apparently, maintaining the relationship with TEC is worth losing Nigeria and Uganda (and several others), along with hundreds of thousands of US Anglicans leaving for Rome and other churches. While I pray it does not come to that, those are the stakes currently on the table.
RE: “It has always struck many of us very curious that the PB and ‘national church’ would be exalted to some very formidable status . . . ”
I don’t think I understand this comment. It is hardly surprising that the Executive Council and House of Bishops are expanding Jefferts Schori’s power [by acceding to her expansion] when generally speaking they share the same theology [as a whole] and goals.
RE: ” . . . and then everything would turn on fighting an ‘away game.”
Not sure that the Leavers are saying that. It’s appeared to me that they simply aren’t going to remain in TEC. Some people are okay with staying in TEC — it doesn’t particularly trouble them. I’d be one of those people. Others are repulsed by remaining within a corrupt organization and have decided to leave. Given that they’ve decided to leave, they’ve had to organize themselves, and here we all are, with the Common Cause Partnership doing whatever it is they are planning.
So for those who are okay with remaining in TEC — no “game” has to be played “away.” But those who have no desire to remain within TEC — well they have no other choice than but to play “away” since they are not here.
RE: ” . . . the struggle inside TEC seemed always one where the cards were never really in the hands of those claiming power.”
I do not understand this comment either. It seems fairly clear that yes, Schori can depose anyone she likes. That yes, the House of Bishops and their Standing Committees can withhold consents to elected bishops if they so choose. That yes, they can spend the money which they receive from diocese to sue the socks off of individuals and parishes and vestries.
None of that is “illusory” . . . or fantasy. It happens. That’s power.
And they can do all of that with not one shred of consequences meted out to them by anyone or any institution, other than someday God on His throne.
Bishop Ackerman was born August 3, 1946.
Perhaps having started the train of thought which led to further comments I should dig myself in deeper.
I have had to deal in many situations with what I would call the pipsqueak mentality. Those who have in reality some power in a small area lack the vision to grasp the mettle of what needs to be done to sort out or regularise a situation of their own making. Instead they resort to standing on their dignity and assumed status. They lash out with anything they have to hand with spite, viciousness and sometimes lawlessness. They invariably make things worse for themselves and everyone else. The only way of dealing with them is for a superior or the other guys in the gang to pull them aside and if they will not desist, remove their authority or send them to Coventry.
That is not to say that they do not in their own small area have the ability to persecute and I would not for a minute decry the extent of that persecution or the courage of those caught up in it. But in the big scheme, things remain as they are and so it seems to be up to the big boys to sort out the situation.
RE: “The only way of dealing with them is for a superior or the other guys in the gang to pull them aside and if they will not desist, remove their authority or send them to Coventry.”
I’m with you, but I think we have all the evidence of the past five years that we need to recognize that we have no “superior” who is willing to do that, nor will the “other guys in the gang” do that, since the other guys in the gang — by vast vast majority — agree wholeheartedly with the pipsqueak’s goals and theology, even if the pipsqueak’s methods are sometimes a bit alarming.
Trying to say that Ms Schori has no constitutional authority is more blinking at reality. She has even the likes of Bp Howe so cowered by her authority that he is constantly looking over his shoulder. She acts despicably, but she runs a very tight ship. That a third of the bishops voted against the “deposition” of +Duncan was slightly hopeful, but 2/3rds voted for it. And the 1/3rd could hardly be called a coalition but rather a hodge-podge. Her iron fist on the HoB continues and expect General Convention to be the Schori show.
#21 — In a word, ‘nonsense.’ I was just in CFL and the Diocese could not be better. Mark McCall’s fine work could not be clearer on the matter of polity, and the issue is staying in the struggle. I’m a bit unsure why constantly harping on +John Howe is relevant anyway.
#22 – it is relevant because he dumped on Bishop Duncan, the Network and other ties while jumping to your outfit. And if you believe things could “not be better” in any TEC Diocese, guess again. We all could be better.
Threads like this make me wonder at the wisdom of “jumping ship.” To what are we supposed to be jumping, “We’re not the Episcopal Church?” denomination. great. How about trying to define yourself as a church, son, daughter, whatever of God rather than constantly harping on the failures of others (bailing, cowards, mrs., etc)? We get it. The persecution is real. But our Lord reminded us that such would be the case. So, rejoice in how the enemies of God persecute and so heap judgment on themselves and get about His work of building His Kingdom!
Christ’s Peace,
Blessings to him on his retirement. May he now be freed from dealing with nasty political fights, and find a sleepy, non-demanding parish that would love to have someone of his talents in his golden years.
Seitz-ACI,
In the past, I appreciated your papers. But recently and today, your response has gotten shrill. It is obvious many now question the wisdom of the ACI and are choosing different strategies and they are still in the fight and will be even if not recognized by the ACI. You seem to be setting up a conflict where none needs to be…For my sake I agree with Sarah……
The reality for many who are in TEC is that there is no authority to turn to help this province correct itself. The PB has made this all about power, and authoritarian abusive power at that. Her actions and words speak for themselves. The issue is that the ACI and many, like myself, disagree on the reality on the ground and what we should do. However, your shrill tone is not necessary and serves no good purpose. It ill suits you. Sadly, some bishops are giving into the PB by doing so acceding authority to her she does not have. Only a small minority have spoken up. For them I am thankful and pray they continue.
God bless Bishop Ackerman and whatever path God sets before him.
Lord have mercy on us all.
Remember that TEC is walking apart, no one else…and those who leave, and even those who stay in, are really in one way or another honoring those commitments contained in the constitution to be the Anglican presence in North America that the Epsicopal Church has claimed to be…Shori and her team have walked away/apart…maybe we should all say to them, you can leave the Epsicopal Church, but you can’t take the property with you.
RE: “How about trying to define yourself as a church . . . ”
I’m sure that the CCP will and is attempting to do that, Manna. But first, those folks wanted out of TEC. We can say “oh, they shouldn’t have wanted out of TEC” but they did.
If he retires – my guess is that he will be eligible for the full pension. Also would he not be eligible to be elected to the Anglican Diocese of Qunicy or the Anglican Diocese of Illinoise in the second province. I do not know the man and have no idea of the motivation – but thereare plenty of possibilities.
28…many who have left may not have wanted out of the TEC they first knew…but left what TEC has become to honor their commitments to the very constitutional preamble that defines how TEC is a means to Communion membership…while TEC itself walks apart from those commitments.
Also, many of those who have left might have wanted to stay but were forced out as bishops and KJS over played their power position against any uprising against the new theology.
I met Bishop Ackerman a few years back when I was in seminary. He was good friends with the priest I was working for as a field education seminarian. Bishop Ackerman is a really delightful man and is really great with the youth. With his proclivity for baseball, I found him to be one of the most down-to-earth Bishops I have ever met.
I know he’s been having some health problems, and I have guessed that they were probably worse than was publically known. The Church will sorely miss the last “Traditionalist bishop” as the good bishop refers to himself. I fear with where TEC is now and appears to be headed, we may never see his like again in the ECUSA House of Bishops. I wish him well in his retirement.
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#17 Sarah–I just don’t believe the PB will succeed in the end. The most that could be accomplished is that 815 would ‘win’ and have nothing to show for it. The dioceses of SC, W-TX, Dallas, etc are not going to accede to lawlessness, and they need not give any money or influence to a hierarchy that is a fiction. I thought that point was clear. ‘Shrill?’ maybe this is a matter of interpretation? I am very busy, I concede. Sorry if I offended. Probably not wise to comment at a time of such stress and strain — we did have a great diocesan event and are for the most part unpersuaded that the misuse of canons and so forth will finally win anything. And for those who want to join a new province, that appears to be emerging as an option.
A new province is essentially the pastoral scheme originally intended by Dar es Salaam but rejected by the HOB, but now insisted upon by the primates.
Untethered from the warring going on within TEC the new province will have undistracted and spiritually mature leadership allowing those under that leadership to grown, and not become stunted by a secular gospel and pointless legal fights.
Given #33 counts only 3 out of a hundred dioceses to his proof…I will continue to cast my vote with Sarah’s perspective.
#33 Prof Seitz
Thanks for engaging; I did not take your comments as at all shrill and it is necessary to have a variety of comments here otherwise it becomes an echo chamber. I hope you will continue giving your perspective and thanks for the news from dio CFL.
I thought your comment: “for those who want to join a new province, that appears to be emerging as an option” interesting. My sense also; but what do I know!
The Bishop of Quincy is a holy and kind man whose grace has found him respect and affection even from those who differ from him in the House of Bishops. It has been this cheerful and yet uncompromising demeanor which has made it so difficult for the usual culprits to contemplate moving against him.
I have heard of his indifferent health and know he has been under enormous strain. I value his friendship and hope he will now be able to rest and regain his strength.
Thanks Pageant. The TEC polity—unlike the UK or Canada—has no obvious hierarchy above the diocese. Of course the PB and others wish that weren’t so and will claim whatever they can get away with. They will however face an immovable obstacle in any diocese that bands together, especially with others, and refuses to fund, refuses to receive any teaching otherwise at odds with the Communion’s, and simply preaches the catholic faith and practice, maintaining its own educational lines of health. Even the consents process is arguably a steep climb – the objections to SC were only ever cogent, if at all, if the candidate declared he was leaving. That is precisely what 815 and the PB might wish, as it allows them to fight a certain kind of fight. Staying, growing, not funding, not receiving teaching contrary to the catholic faith, building relationships with SE Asia, Burundi, Tanzania, W Africa, Kenya, Indian Ocean, Middle East, etc – that is not an easy thing to ‘get rid of.’ But then, in some ways I am just describing the Anglican Communion of partnerships in mission and faith. I have been in this church for a long time, and in many ways it has a better sense of its global identity, its historical identity, its theological identity—and I speak here about the conservative and moderate wings—than it ever did in previous years. Calvin and Knox—hardly screaming institutionalists—every bit as much as Tertullian in his early writings, understood that challenge and ordeal are how God builds up his church. Tertullian went so far as to say it was a requirement, if the Holy Spirit was to do His best work. And with Daniel for emphasis he might well have added ‘but if not, O King, let it be known…’ And for those who want to move in the new province direction, that too appears to be something several dioceses and their friends are endeavoring to create. I just see no point in majoring in blaming or driving with the rear view mirror. I also see signs of health and hopefulness precisely because God has put His hand down hard on us. But teaching the OT, perhaps I would say that. Grace and peace.
(And blessings upon +Keith, in a diocese where my uncle is a priest).
#37 Prof Seitz
Thanks for that inspiring vision. Perhaps we are being tested and made fit for purpose; I have felt that for a while. I am not averse to new structures and developments which free people to preach the Gospel. It has been encouraging to see the impetus to mission and evangelism in the Virgina churches in spite of the difficulties they have faced. Perhaps Quincy, CFL and other places will feel similarly inspired in their different places.
RE: “I just don’t believe the PB will succeed in the end. . .”
I suppose it depends on what one means by “succeed.” I mean in the eternal light of things, of course, she won’t. But on earth, over the next 10 years, I think she’ll be highly successful.
Sure her reign will be riddled with lawsuits — but those are, in the end, minor things that lawyers have to handle. At the end of the day, she’ll have 1) greatly expanded powers for the PB, simply because she has the vast vast vast majority of dioceses, bishops, and standing committees on her side, 2) continued Anglican Communion membership, and 3) zero competition in the Anglican Communion to her province. I’m not certain how one could call that unsuccessful. I call it pretty successful, myself.
Nobody can touch her — and she can do as she pleases, when she pleases.
RE: “The dioceses of SC, W-TX, Dallas, etc are not going to accede to lawlessness, and they need not give any money or influence to a hierarchy that is a fiction.”
Yes, there will be some 10 or so dioceses that won’t give money to her and that will perhaps be able to protect themselves from the juggernaut.
I’m real happy for them, of course, just as I’m happy for all those who leave and have their own entity, though I don’t personally want that.
It is good to see how others view the situation, thanks Sarah. 37 dioceses registered their concern and from what I can gather, this is increasing and not subsiding. At issue is lawlessness, and that is not an easy thing simply to assert over time. But you are of course entitled to your predictions. The PB has never had the powers now being claimed and that makes for a very precarious strategy, over time (shorter than your ten years). Grace and peace.
What about all those Epsicopalians who are orthodox in revisionist dioceses…will they be purged…and we know how hard it is to elect a bishop who will stand up like Mark Lawerance…they’ll never let that happen again…so in the end they will come knocking on your door and take you to the gallows…the real game is the New Province…the Seitz dream of fixing from within needs to wake up to the reality that the new province is the only option that will place Schori in an asysmetrical relationship to the Communion.
#41 of course Caleb the new province will be the way you and others see the solution. It is simply that a great number of conservatives do not see it as a solution, but as a prolongation of a struggle. That may strike you as dreamy, but seen from another perspective, the dream may be in believing that new provinces will come into existence and solve problems. Grace and peace.
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