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Robinson: lonely but not alone
by Paul Handley
 Calm: Bishop Gene Robinson at the launch of his book in Church House Bookshop, Westminster, on Monday ANDREW FIRTH |
| THE CHURCH of England is being damaged by the pressure it puts on gay priests to remain secretive, the Bishop of New Hampshire, the Rt Revd Gene Robinson, said this week.
Bishop Robinson was interviewed on the day that he launched his book In the Eye of the Storm, a set of reflections on his experience since his consecration in 2003 as the only openly gay serving bishop in the Anglican Communion.
“I’ve met, what, probably 300 gay, partnered clergy here in the Church of England, and I could tell you stories that would make you weep about what life is like for them, and the fear with which they live.” The effect of their treatment was costly to them and to the Church, he said.
In the interview, Bishop Robinson spoke of the loneliness of his position, but acknowledged that it has become less likely that another partnered gay bishop will be appointed — at least in the short term. He said he has spoken to other gay bishops — “not all in America” — who have not come out.
He also talks about the moment when his extensive media training failed him, over his planned civil ceremony with his partner, Mark Andrew, shortly before the Lambeth Conference. “What I should have said was something like this: ‘Gay and lesbian people grow up with the same hopes that other people do — that they’ll be able to celebrate their love for one another with family gathered around, pledging their support for the faithful, monogamous, life-long, intentioned holy vows that they’ve just taken. I, too, have always longed for such a day.’
“Instead, I simply said, ‘I’ve always wanted to be a June bride.’ And all hell broke loose.”
See Interview See Reviews Published by Canterbury Press, £12.99 (CT Bookshop £11.70) To place an order for this book, email details to CT Bookshop |
