The last seven years — since becoming the Anglican church’s first gay non-celibate member of the clergy — have “taken their toll” on New Hampshire’s Bishop V. Gene Robinson, a funny guy. And so it’s with endless hate spewed at him from conservatives that played a part in his decision to retire early, in January 2013, he announced at an annual diocesan meeting: “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, who has faithfully stood with me every minute of the last seven years, and in some ways, you. 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.” Mandatory retirement age for Episcopal bishops is 72; Robinson will step down at age 65.
Ted
There’s a mistake in the first sentence: Gene may be the first non-celibate gay Bishop, but he is certainly not the first non-celibate gay member of the clergy in the Episcopal Church. We have had out gay priests and deacons for years before Gene was ordained.
Kieran
As the saying goes, if you can’t take the heat……retire. I guess after this, the Episcopalians won’t be picking any other gay bishops. It just too stressful and devisive. Bullies 1, Gene Robinson 0.
Scott
It’s disgusting the way these “people of faith” think. ‘Bunch of douchebags. Gene is a brave man.
Peter
He’s one steamy-hot bishop…I’d kneel to him and confess my sins…one by one
Polyboy
So it’s doesn’t get better.
To hell with God.
WillBFair
Love the hot pink shirt. Sorry that he’s retiring. Aren’t death threats illegal? Can’t the police do something about this?