Gene Robinson to Retire

[davidinalameda]

Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, announced Saturday that he'll retire in 2013, stating death threats and controversy contributed to the decision,The New York Times reports. Robinson made the surprise announcement while attending the annual diocesan convention in Concord, New Hampshire.

“Death threats, and the now worldwide controversy surrounding your election of me as bishop, have been a constant strain, not just on me, but on my beloved husband, Mark” and on Episcopalians in the state, Robinson says.

"The fact is, the last seven years have taken their toll on me, my family, and you," Robinson says. "While I believe that these attitudes, mostly outside the Diocese, have not distracted me from my service to you, I would be less than honest if I didn't say that they have certainly added a burden and certain anxiety to my episcopate."

http://advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/11/06/First_Openly_Gay_Bishop_to_Retire/

[Ken Burch]

1. That's horribly sad.

Thank you, Bishop Robinson, for having made the stand for justice and Christian love that your episcopacy represented.

[DesertFlower]

2. very sad.

[Divine Discontent]

3. Oh, good God, no. :(

I cannot even begin to understand the strain and nervousness from the threats, but I thought he was handling this so well, and he was a wonderful representative for believers who just happened to be GLBT. Those horrible people who have caused such pain to a man of God will answer for this one day...

God bless him!

[DeadEyeDyck]

4. k&r