Gay Episcopalian Says He Won't Quit Bishop Post

[CShine]

The priest about to become the first openly gay Episcopal bishop says that several Anglican leaders have appealed to him to step down, but the only thing that could sway him would be if he felt a personal call from God to stand aside.

The Rev. V. Gene Robinson, bishop-elect of the Diocese of New Hampshire, said in an interview that he's been praying for years about becoming a bishop and that he feels strongly that God wants him to go through with his consecration on Nov. 2. ''God and I have been about this for quite a while now, and I would be really surprised if God were to want me to stop now,'' Robinson said.

Leaders of the global Anglican Communion -- called primates -- held an emergency meeting on homosexuality in London last week and said Robinson's consecration puts their international association of churches in jeopardy. Around the world, 77 million people are members of Anglican denominations.

Robinson acknowledged that his consecration would cause a church crisis, but said good could come from it. ''If indeed this is the work of God ... then it's a crisis that calls for the church to be its very best self, and not worry about risking itself for the right thing,'' Robinson said. ''Sometimes, there are things worth risking your life for. It was Jesus who said if you want to save your life, you have to lose it.

http://www.suntimes.com/output/religion/cst-nws-rel24.html

[Hieronymus]

1. Good

someday we'll look back on this and see how ridiculous it all is, marriage protection week included. Well, unless you're Pat Buchanan.:bounce:

[regnaD kciN]

2. Small correction on title...

Robinson can't "quit bishop post" because he isn't a bishop, and won't be until he is consecrated on 11/2.

[Derrick Lang]

3. hmmmmmm

mmam i the only one here who finds it ironic that they are called primates? I dont believe in organizied religion but gene is a great example of what its suppose to be. Im shocked at the intolerance of the eurpoean church, gosh wheres a plague when you need it

[DrBB]

4. Ironic? How?

"Primate" just means first. And I can assure you the Episcopal church has no problem with Darwin or evolution--if that's the "irony" you're finding, it's way off target.

[arwalden]

5. I Understood The Irony As Being Their Simplistic Way Of Thinking

... I didn't make the "evolution" connection until you mentioned it. It is pretty funny though... to imagine a boardroom full of chimps in traditional clothing.

-- Allen

[JoFerret]

6. Good. This is the line in the sand...

...it has to be somewhere...and this is it. Send him and the church support.