Reverend Robert Taylor may have to find a new job. Right-wing Virtue Online reports that the gay South African native recently came under scrutiny at his Washington-based congregation:

…Taylor, Dean of St. Mark's Cathedral, a man living openly in a non-celibate homosexual relationship with another man, faces possible firing following a pay raise that brought his salary up to $200,000, while he laid off staff at the landmark cathedral.

St. Mark's Cathedral fell $100,000 short of its pledging goal in 2007, prompting the Lenten layoff of two priests from the staff. Angry parishioners forced the revelation that the cathedral dean receives more than $200,000 in annual salary and benefits. Almost every parish in the Diocese of Olympia in Western Washington has reported a decline in income during the past year.

Letters obtained by VirtueOnline revealed "significant leadership and management issues that need to be addressed in a timely and comprehensive manner". As a result, the vestry adopted a Resolution asking that Olympia Bishop Greg Rickel appoint an independent party to assess leadership and management issues at the Cathedral.

Don't you love how they qualify Dean's "non-celibate homosexual relationship".

An openly gay reverend from Seattle is in the running to be the Episcopal Bishop of California. Even more interesting, of the five candidates in the running, Rev. Robert Taylor isn’t the only openly gay contestant – lesbian Bonnie Perry of the All Saints Church in Chicago is also up for the job.

"I feel just honored and humbled by the trust and faith of the diocese in including me on their list of nominees," said Taylor. He added that he hopes the church will focus on issues other than gay clergy, such as poverty, health care, and ministering to the larger society. Taylor is known for his work on social justice, community outreach, and interfaith efforts.

While we have nothing but great things to say about the Episcopal Church allowing not one but two members of the GLTB community in the running, we do hope we have a little cat fight on our hands. You know how competitive lesbians can get. And as for the gay man, well, let’s just hope he’s not PMS-ing on the day they vote.

Episcopal Church may elect second openly gay bishop [Advocate]