The Rt. Rev. Jeff Terry, Bishop of Spokane, remained in critical condition in the cardiac intensive care unit at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane in early February after receiving a heart transplant Jan. 7.

Three and one-half weeks after transplant surgery, the bishop's condition was described as "an hour-by-hour thing" by Mary Koch, editor of the Inland Episcopalian, the diocesan newspaper. "This doesn't mean there is no hope," Ms. Koch was quick to point out, but she described his condition as "tenuous."

Carolyn Terry, the bishop's wife, has kept the diocese informed of the bishop's condition through a diocesan Internet chat group. "Jeff's old heart was very fragile and definitely ready to be replaced," she wrote in an early message. Mrs. Terry continues to be upbeat about the care Bishop Terry receives and she has confidence in the medical team, Ms. Koch reported.

"There are prayer vigils all over the diocese," Ms. Koch said, and the family, every day, expresses their gratitude for the support and prayers of the diocese.

The Terrys' two daughters, who live in the western part of Washington state, are with their father.