[Athanasius]

In unprecedented vote, New Hampshire Episcopalians choose gay bishop

By ANNE SAUNDERS, Associated Press
(Published June 7‚ 2003)

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - In a national first, New Hampshire Episcopalians on Saturday elected an openly gay man as their next bishop.
The selection of the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, 56, who was chosen over three other candidates in voting by New Hampshire clergy and lay Episcopalians, is still subject to confirmation next month by the church's national General Convention.

Bishops in the worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Church in the United States, approved a resolution in 1998 calling gay sex "incompatible with Scripture."

According to the Episcopal News Service, the only other bishop to publicly state that he is actively gay is Otis Charles, former bishop of Utah, who made the announcement in 1993 after retiring.

Robinson, who was married and has two grown children, now lives with his partner, Mark Andrew, in Weare and is an assistant to retiring Bishop Douglas Theuner. Friends say he remains on good terms with his ex-wife and two daughters, both of whom were at Saturday's election.

He preaches at area churches and has been active in local causes, such as establishing "Concord Outright," a support group for teenagers.

The Rev. Hays Junkin, head of the committee that selected the candidates, expects Robinson's election to be contentious at the General Convention. If confirmed at the national convention, Robinson would be installed next March.

Robinson faced opposition in New Hampshire, though all the candidates and Theuner have expressed support for gays and lesbians in the church.

His election is expected to be even more controversial among Anglicans abroad. Conservatives in the Church of England and elsewhere protested the appointment last month of an English bishop with liberal views on homosexuality, even though the new bishop vowed to uphold existing church policy on the subject.

After the election, Robinson told his supporters to be gentle with those who disagreed with their decision.

"We will show the world how to be a Christian community," he said. "I plan to be a good bishop, not a gay bishop."

The Rev. David Jones, rector of St. Paul's, said he was thrilled with Robinson's selection, even though he recognizes that the Bible speaks against homosexuality.

"The spirit works through that man so who am I to say God's not supposed to do that," Jones said.

On the final ballot, Robinson received 58 of 77 ballots cast by clergy and 96 of 165 lay votes.

[Ridley's Own]

Hmm...

Yes, I was waiting for you to post this...

Any ideas on why they waited to w/in the 120 day "envelope" for approval by GC?

I have several....

[Athanasius]

Originally posted by Ridley's Own
Hmm...

Yes, I was waiting for you to post this...

Any ideas on why they waited to w/in the 120 day "envelope" for approval by GC?

I have several....

TeeHee...my friend and I discussed that very thing last night.

[Ridley's Own]

Well, it's fairly clear Integrity, Beyond Inclusion, etc., are woefully scared their agenda isn't going to get any time (as the Theology Committee has suggested). So they're forcing the issue w/an episcopal election.

[SccHarpGirl]

I heard about this on NPR the other day....

sad.

[ICTHUS]

I find this difficult to believe. I knew the Anglican communion was being corrupted by openly gay pedophile priests, but I had no idea it was this bad.

I go to an Anglican college and apparently the insurance premiums went up for our school because of the whole sex-abuse scandal in Australia with Anglican priests sodomizing little boys. Sad. Consequently our tuitions went up.

(As a side note, our Governor General, Peter Hollingworth, was the Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane who was accused of RAPING a woman who went on a youth camp with him while he was pastor of a church, before he was archbishop of Brisbane, and before he was Gov. General of Australia)

Not only does this violate the Biblical qualification for a Bishop (episcopos)

Overseers and Deacons

1 Tim 3:1-7 KJV

This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:
15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

THE BISHOP MUST BE ABOVE REPROACH!! HOW CAN A BISHOP BE ABOVE REPROACH IF HE IS OPENLY SODOMIZING OTHER MEN!! (and quite possibly little boys!!)

This disease of homosexuality and paedophilia is taking over Gods Church. It needs to stop. I applaud Archbishop Pell of Sydney who refuses the Body and Blood of Christ to homos who call themselves Christians yet make no attempt to change their vile ways.

God bless,
Ryan the angry Papist

[Yojimbo]

OK, I'm not too miffed by the whole openly homosexual thing as much as I am with the divorce...that's something I feel strongly about, that a couple should not get divorced no matter what (barring, I guess, adultery). This doesn't speak well for the Episcopal church, if I may be a judgmental outsider.

[ICTHUS]

Goodness,

You may have a point. However, considering the gravity of the position of Bishop (a bishop is called to be a faithful under- shepherd to the Church under his jurisdiction, called a diocese) a homosexual bishop, whose call it is to lead by example, is bound to lead thousands into ruin.

having a homosexual bishop sends the message that its cool to be gay in the Church, and that this disgusting sin is good in the sight of God. It is NOT and never will be. The Book of Revelation says that sexual perverts will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Divorce is a disgusting sin as well, however, it only affects the lives of the two people getting divorced and their family. Im not saying its less serious or less disgusting in Gods sight, but it affects less people.

Having a gay bishop affects the ENTIRE CHURCH, opening it up to the possibility of satanic attack. In this instance, this mans homosexuality has far-reaching consequences.

The distinction is clear.

Blessings,
ICTHUS

[Raphael]

Never mind the above reproach thing Ryan...They have to be Christian, and someone who is gay, will not be inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven (unless they repent):

1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that unjust ones will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be led astray, neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous ones, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor plunderers shall inherit the kingdom of God.
And some of you were these things, but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

1 Timothy 1:8-11
And we know that the Law is good, if anyone uses it lawfully, knowing this, that Law is not laid down for a righteous one, but for lawless and undisciplined ones, for ungodly and sinful ones, for unholy and profane ones, for slayers of fathers and slayers of mothers, for murderers, for fornicators, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and if any other thing opposes sound doctrine, according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I was entrusted.

[Raphael]

AAC Responds to the Election of the Episcopal Church's First Openly Homosexual Bishop


Source: AAC News
June 7, 2003




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 7, 2003

CONTACT: Bruce Mason
202-296-5360 202-296-5361 (fax)
bmason@americananglican.org

The American Anglican Council (AAC) is deeply saddened by the election today of the Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly homosexual man, as bishop coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. While the outcome of the election is not surprising to us, today is yet another unfortunate day for the Episcopal Church. The election of Canon Robinson, who left his wife and children to pursue a homosexual relationship, is a clear illustration of the deep dysfunction in our "anything goes" Episcopal Church, and is a witness that is not consistent with the global Anglican Christian Church. It shows us again just how far much of the Episcopal Church has moved out of the thriving mainstream of worldwide Anglicanism. Now it is up to this summer's General Convention of the Episcopal Church to decide whether or not to endorse this election. We would strongly urge Convention to act in accordance with scripture, tradition, reason and the mind of the Anglican Communion and withhold consent.

[Raphael]

Source:AmericanAnglican.org

Peter Moore
June 10, 2003

The election of an openly gay man to be the bishop of New Hampshire will provide comfort and encouragement to a tiny minority within the worldwide Anglican Communion. However, it will cause shock and dismay to the vast majority of faithful Christians who make up this international body. It is a sad day when those who profess to follow Jesus Christ turn their backs on their own leadership, their own Scriptures, and their own two thousand year history of moral reflection.

Only hubris can have motivated otherwise well-intentioned people to scorn the wisdom of the church that through its history has taught that sex belongs within the covenant of heterosexual marriage. Millions of sincere believing Christians around the world, including Anglicans who now must defend their church to mocking outsiders and bewildered members of other religions, must now struggle to uphold the credibility of the institution to which they belong. Those who choose to remain Episcopalian can only sigh with understanding as long-time, even life-long, fellow members choose to leave the church they have loved, supported, and in recent years struggled to understand. Those who remain can only do so, in good conscience, as missionaries to a body that is in danger of tearing down a crucial boundary that has dignified sexuality, tempered humankind's unruly emotions, honored godly restraint, upheld the redeeming and healing power of Christ, and uplifted the role of women.

To avoid schism the House of Bishops must now vote to reject New Hampshire's choice, causing further pain to gay and lesbian people who have viewed this election as their trump card, rendering mute all further discussion and debate on the propriety of gay blessings and gay ordinations. But reject it they must if the House of Bishops is not to tumble like a house of cards, bringing with it the virtual destruction of the Anglican Communion. It is myopic in the extreme for those Episcopalians who cheer this election not to see it as anything but a communion-breaking act one that strains the bonds of fellowship past the point of no return.

Those in the church whom we elevate to high office must be wholesome examples to the flock of Christ. Whatever other gifts Gene Robinson brings to the office of bishop, and these may even be commendable, his chosen lifestyle cannot model to God's people a sexual life that bears the stamp of Christ's redeeming and reconciling love.

[Raphael]

MySource:AmericanAnglican.org

Source: Forward in Faith
June 9, 2003

The election of Gene V. Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire, says Forward in Faith, North America, is evidence that what we are witnessing is more erosion of the Faith and Order of Christianity – an erosion that has been rampant for decades. It seems to be a very determined train of a new religion at odds with the Gospel of Jesus Christ that is gaining speed. Our concern and our calling is quite simply to be faithful to what we have been entrusted with for the love of human souls.

In an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer, The Rev’d David L. Moyer, President of FIF/NA, stated, “The Diocese of New Hampshire has severed itself from the Episcopal Church in electing Gene Robinson.” If the nomination is approved by the General Convention, Moyer said, “the Episcopal Church will have severed itself from the Anglican Communion.”

The Anglican Communion is well aware of the fact that Father Moyer was “deposed” illegally and fraudulently by Bishop Charles Bennison apparently as a “penalty” because Fr. Moyer could not support the sacramental and pastoral Episcopal ministry of one who engages in false teaching, and who, by so doing, has separated himself from the Communion of the Church.

We commend (and are most grateful for) the Primates of the Anglican Communion who in increasing numbers are declaring that communion has indeed been broken by false teaching.

We see a reordering of the Anglican Communion taking place in the Providence of God. We do not attempt to predict its future shape and constitution, but we rejoice that we live in the days when finally such a necessary transformation is imminent. We align ourselves with all leaders in the Anglican Communion whose commitment is to the revealed religion of orthodox Christianity – Biblical, Evangelical, Catholic, and Apostolic, and we pray fervently that we be obedient to God’s Word and Will.

[Raphael]

Statement of the Rt. Revd. Robert Duncan, on the election of V. Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire
Source:AmericanAnglican.org

June 7, 2003

The election of a man partnered to another man, a man who years ago left his wife and children because of his understanding of his own sexual orientation, a man who is an otherwise good and able man, is a grevious wound to the Episcopal Church as we have known her. It is a grevious wound to the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a wound to Christians everywhere, though some wholeheartedly rejoice, and many others are uncertain. Whether this election will prove a mortal wound to the Episcopal Church is a determination that cannot now be made, but this revolutionary decision most assuredly has that possibility.

The election must, of course, be confirmed by this summer's General Convention. My assumption is that the well-meaning people of New Hampshire will be joined by a well-meaning majority of the representatives of the whole Episcopal Church. My prayer is -- and my efforts will be -- that the election not be confirmed. I stand where I do because I believe the election represents a fundamental departure from the restraints of Holy Scripture and the practice of the catholic Church. This will come as no surprise to any who know me, or to any among whom God has called me to lead. I ask the prayers of all.

Whatever world-view or understanding shapes us as Christians, the truth is that most who claim to be Christians really are trying to be Christians. I have, quite carefully, used the adjective "well-meaning" about those who have (and who will) support this election. Equally true is that most Christians desire to love and to serve those with whom they disagree, even on something as basic as the boundaries of human sexual expression. Actions which are body-rending can still be actions that both sides meant for good. However this present drama plays out, we need to continue to see these values in each other.

Our God reigns. In the end his purposes triumph. Our best plans cannot forever prosper against His will. God always reforms His Church and His churches. When God's people get off-course He corrects them. He is loving and kind and slow to anger. His passion (literally in Jesus Christ) is to save men and women and to bring them to Himself. Whether the reformation of the 21st century looks anything like the reformation of the 16th century remains to be seen, but as to the things about God we may be sure: He alone is our refuge and our hope and our salvation.

For Episcopalians and Anglicans this is a time for sustained fasting and prayer. For all Christians, of their charity, it is a time to ask the Lord's mercy, guidance, provision and deliverance.

The Rt. Revd. Robert Duncan
7th June, A.D. 2003

[Yojimbo]

Originally posted by ICTHUS
Goodness,

You may have a point. However, considering the gravity of the position of Bishop (a bishop is called to be a faithful under- shepherd to the Church under his jurisdiction, called a diocese) a homosexual bishop, whose call it is to lead by example, is bound to lead thousands into ruin.

having a homosexual bishop sends the message that its cool to be gay in the Church, and that this disgusting sin is good in the sight of God. It is NOT and never will be. The Book of Revelation says that sexual perverts will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Divorce is a disgusting sin as well, however, it only affects the lives of the two people getting divorced and their family. Im not saying its less serious or less disgusting in Gods sight, but it affects less people.

Having a gay bishop affects the ENTIRE CHURCH, opening it up to the possibility of satanic attack. In this instance, this mans homosexuality has far-reaching consequences.

The distinction is clear.

Blessings,
ICTHUS

Uh...I fail to see how you can think that a church leader who blithely looks upon divorce only affects his family. You are right that a gay leader will affect the entire church since he is, well, the leader. However, a divorced leader is ALSO still the leader of the church, and his example will be seen by all in his flock. Divorce occurs or is seriously considered practically half of all marriages in America today (and more in European countries). Having a religious leader who unjustly divorces harms FAR more people than a homosexual leader...because let's face it, homosexuals only make up 1% of the population and none of the heterosexual members of the church will just suddenly convert into homosexuals because the bishop is homosexual. However, anyone can get involved in a divorce. So that is why I think the divorce issue will ultimately do far more harm.

[PunkRawkGuy]

Disgusting, a man that divorced and abandoned his wife and kids for a homosexual relationship with a man.....the guy should have been kicked out of the church in the first place, but he get's elected to a high-ranking leadership postion?!?! There should be huge protests and public outcry from Episopal and Anglican believers and mass exodus if he is not fired immediately.

Will