Fr. Joseph Wilson wrote a beautiful article about him in this week's edition of The Wanderer, giving more background information. He was very successful as rector of an Episcopal parish. During his 5 years there, attendance doubled, Sunday school was revitalized and a youth ministry program revived. The teaching at this parish, however, was out of step with the national denomination. His parish was a more conservative.
Fr. Wilson comments that the Episcopal Church had once been a conservative body but with the rapid cultural and social changes of the mid 20th century, changes in doctrinal standards began to be accepted and it became apparent that there was no way to stop them. "A church without the Magisterium has no natural brake, and once it begins the slide into chaos, there is nothing that can stop that slide."
Last October Rev. Bergman announced to his congregation that he was resigning from the ministry of the Episcopal Church, and beginning a period of discernment to try to understand where God was calling him. He explained that he felt compromised, knowing that he had the support of neither the denomination nor of his bishop for his teachings. Many of the parishioners asked to accompany him on this journey of discernment. It began with 30 and, according to the above article, that number is now at 60! This is truly a beautiful gift from God!
Praised be God, and not our strength, for it!
...And be it death proclaimed through our host
To boast of this or take the praise from God
Which is his only.
--Henry V