Father Harnish says what's happened between the church and the diocese is like a death. But with it, he said, comes new life. He expressed sadness that things have gotten to this point, but remains committed to his faith and to his church.

"At All Saints Anglican Church now," Harnish said, noting, "We've officially changed our name. We are continuing to proclaim the gospel and trying to apply the Bible to our lives. Why would someone want to stop that within a church?"

Harnish stands strong in his convictions, despite the fact that, after nearly 25 years as a priest, the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester has decided to inhibit him or strip him of his duties as a priest.

But, as Harnish explained, "I'm continuing in good standing as a priest and that is under the archbishop of Uganda and we are officially related to the church of Uganda."

The Episcopal diocese disagrees. It released fact sheets outlining its position. From its perspective, Harnish is still an Episcopal priest subject to the rules of the church, of which, it says, he is in violation.

"It's just sad that the Diocese of Rochester doesn't get on with its own ministry, whatever that is, and leave Father Harnish and leave All Saints alone," said Raymond Dague. Dague is the Syracuse attorney representing All Saints Church.

Dague maintains the inhibition of Harnish is unenforceable.

"It looks like an inflated notion of [Bishop Jack McKelvey's] own authority. He received word in writing that [Harnish] was no longer in the diocese of Rochester. He is in the province of Uganda and why the Standing Committee (the church's governing body) chose to do this under those circumstances is a wonder."

During Harnish's six-month inhibition period, the diocese says he has three options: discuss a return to the church with the bishop, renounce his vows or do nothing. Doing nothing, the diocese says, will leave church leaders with no choice but to depose Harnish, meaning he would not longer be an Episcopal priest.

"I only am aware of the document that refers to three options through the media," Harnish said, "I will have to look at those and then be able to respond to them."

Bishop McKelvey is responding on behalf of the Episcopal diocese Friday morning. On Sunday, Father Harnish said services will go on at the All Saints Anglican Church with a celebration of new life.

It is likely all of this struggle will end up in court. The diocese has already indicated it will go that route to reclaim the All Saints Church building, property and records.

END