Bishop of New Hampshire enters treatment for alcoholism

American Anglican Council Blog ^ | 2/13/2006 | V. Gene Robinson

[DSHambone]

Letter from the Bishop of New Hampshire, Gene Robinson February 13, 2006,

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing to you from an alcohol treatment center where on February 1, with the encouragement and support of my partner, daughters and colleagues, I checked myself in to deal with my increasing dependence on alcohol. Over the 28 days I will be here, I will be dealing with the disease of alcoholism-which, for years, I have thought of as a failure of will or discipline on my part, rather than a disease over which my particular body simply has no control, except to stop drinking altogether.

During my first week here, I have learned so much. The extraordinary experience of community here will inform my ministry for years to come. I eagerly look forward to continuing my recovery in your midst. Once again, God is proving His desire and ability to bring an Easter out of Good Friday. Please keep me in your prayers and know that you are in mine.

Your Brother in Christ, +Gene

Letter from the Standing Committee of New Hampshire Diocese February 13, 2006

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

The Standing Committee of the Diocese of New Hampshire joins its bishop in writing to you about his decision to seek professional treatment for his dealings with alcohol. The Episcopal Church, through its General Convention, has long recognized alcoholism as a treatable human disease, not a failure of character or will.

The members of the Standing Committee fully support and stand with our bishop and his family as he confronts the effects of alcohol on his life, and we commend him for his courageous example to us all, as we pray daily for him and for his ministry among us.

Randolph K. Dales, President, Standing Committee of New Hampshire

[Casloy]

with the encouragement and support of my partner, daughters and colleagues, I checked myself in to deal with my increasing dependence on alcohol.

Gay drunk? Man, I guess there are no rules anymore.

[Decepticon]

The reason I mention this is, my jaw hit the floor when the second gentleman remarked during the course of our discussion this and many other issues in the church go back to the 50's, socialists, and Marxism. Bit my lip as I almost asked if he was a FReeper. (If he wasn't he might have thought I was a nut ; )

The problem with many, good Americans is that they don't seem to grasp the idea that socialism and marxism is a main stream idea, today, in America. I actually heard a "good" American talking of the virtues of the ACLU on a clear air AM station today........

[freema]

There are still many in the church who are fighting to keep her protected. In another interesting discussion the day before about the role and duty of deputies to GC, it was stated (after the Chancellor was brought in on consultation) that a deputy was not bound to abide by the will of the delegates of Diocese. Discussion on the issue on the floor of convention was then cut off. Yours truly posed the question.

[Vicomte13]

If you go drinking with this bishop, drink everything neat and avoid the White Russians.

[Huber]

All he needs to do is come forward with one more social pathology and then he will be certain to be cannonized as "St Gene the Courageous" by Frank Griswold.

[freema]

I'm still laughing and exercising restraint and discipline with my responses (I've got a gracious few, thank you very much LOL : )

[fwdude]

No wonder he always has that sh*t eating grin on his face in photos.

[utahagen]

Given that Robinson was made bishop so recently, and given that the ECUSA knew Robinson would be controversial because he's gay, how did Robinson's alcoholism escape notice? Could it be that Robinson's champions were so determined to see a gay man made bishop that they ignored or covered up his alcoholism?

[freema]

You're right, I was grateful this gentleman recognized it AND expressed it.

[freema]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhh, more than likely the answer is yes.

[utahagen]

I know. Robinson's been comparing himself to Jesus since he was nominated to be bishop. He really is a narcissist.

[FormerACLUmember]

Drunken Queer Mafia Agenda Gene was also Person of the Year for NARAL, the abortion industry trade group, and the keynote speaker at these monster's last convention.

Guess ol' gay Gene is determined to annihilate every last living Episocopalian.

[connectthedots]

A homosexual who is also a substance abuser? What a surprise!

[utahagen]

I am very cynical about Robinson's going into rehab at this time. Seems like his determination to grapple with his alcoholism coincides suspiciously with the free-fall the ECUSA caused by...Robinson himself. I think the guy's a narcissist who declares himself ready to face his alcoholism now that the party is over.

[TennesseeGirl]

Darn you, VOA, you're stealing my thoughts again! :)

Maybe the good bishop realized, after the Book of Daniel debacle, he's out of the mainstream and regardless of what he wants to believe (sober or drunk) America is NOT accepting of reprobates in the clergy.

[Decepticon]

You're right, I was grateful this gentleman recognized it AND expressed it.

Interesting. I don't do politics, this gentlemen obviously does. I'll leave it to those that know best to straighten this mess out......

[JockoManning]

U_L saw it first and pinged sionnsar.

Anyway, you're most welcome Huber. Thanks for all of your diligent efforts.

Would be great if V. Gene Reprobate, oops, I mean Robinson, would have a REAL moment of truth.

continuing,
jm

[sphinx]

Are you kidding? He's gay as a goose. He's notoriously gay. He's queer as a three dollar bill.

I wish it were that simple. IIRC, he walked out on a wife and a couple or three kids when he had his sexual epiphany. You know: first things first ....

[JockoManning]

... a narcissitic egomaniac. He's comparing himself to Christ with 'bringing an Easter out of Good Friday' ...

 

 

Good point.

[toddlintown]

Christian Bros ping.