Gay bishop takes over church
2004-03-08 13:07
Concord, New Hampshire - Seven months after his confirmation rocked the Episcopal community, Gene Robinson officially became the ninth Bishop of New Hampshire and the first openly gay bishop in church history.
In his sermon on Sunday during the investiture ceremony, Robinson said one definition of leadership is to find a parade and get in front of it. Robinson said he is just trying to stay in front of the parade and not get run over.
"Journeys of faith, you know, are a risky business," he said. "God is always calling us out of our comfort zones."
The investiture ceremony does not carry the same weight as Robinson's consecration last year, but it gave a capacity crowd of more than 700 the chance to welcome the new leader of the Diocese of New Hampshire with whoops, cheers and a standing ovation. Bells rang out from the church tower.
Transferred
Bishop Douglas Theuner, who officially retired on Sunday, handed Robinson the ceremonial staff that transferred the diocese into his hands. They had shared power since Robinson was made a bishop.
"May the Lord stir up in you the flame of holy charity and the power of faith that overcomes the world," the Rev. David Jones, rector of St Paul's Church, said in the ceremony.
Robinson is the first openly gay man to be elected as a bishop in the national Episcopal church, as well as the worldwide Anglican Communion of which it is a part. His consecration drew protesters and triggered angry responses from many corners of the world.
Several Anglican bishops abroad have said they will no longer associate with the Episcopal Church USA because it approved Robinson's election.
In the United States, a dozen conservative bishops are organising an alternative network of dioceses and parishes that object to Robinson's lifestyle. They argue that homosexuality violates biblical laws.
Robinson has lived with his partner, Mark Andrew, a state administrator, for 15 years and has two daughters from a previous marriage. Andrew took part in the ceremony.
"Let's be clear," Robinson told parishioners in Manchester in October. "We've always had gay bishops. All I'm doing is being honest about it."
- SAPA