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

[DSHambone]

Discerment was not a strength at General Convention 2003

[madprof98]

Wonder what they'd say if he checked himself into a clinic to change his dysfunctional sexual behavior?

[xcamel]

LOL... I "attended" a Franciscan college where the friars could drink any of the students under the table.

[Hildy]

He said his "partner." Is he Gay?

[El Gato]

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.

Partner? A drunk and living in sin with his male lover. Nice job there Bish.

How many more Congregations will this drive away?

[VOA]

I wish the man well in dealing with alcohol.
Maybe his mind will clear up and he'll also abandon his unhealthy sex life.
Maybe even consider celibacy as an alternative to his bisexuality.

[lexington minuteman 1775]

You just know that GW is going to get blamed for this.

[Decepticon]

To be fair, imagine YOU were the Archbishop of New Hampshire. Do you think you could do that job sober?

Beat me to it.....

[jazusamo]

He must have drove him to drinkin!

[DSHambone]

As in "Way Gay" .... another step to schism in the ECUSA

[WashingtonSource]

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

[El Gato]

He said his "partner." Is he Gay?

Does a bear do it in the woods? Yes, he's the first openly gay bishop in the denomination

[outofhere2]

Episcopal, gay, alcoholic. Sounds about right!

[AmishDude]

Vicky Gene Robinson?

Oh, he was the second coming. He was THE gay bishop. This was going to break all the doors down. It was going to be peace and love for all.

What a freak.

[The Lumster]

I will be dealing avoiding {having to deal}with the disease sin of alcoholism-which, for years, I have thought of as a failure of will or discipline on my part, rather than a disease sin over which my particular body simply has no control, except to stop drinking altogether trust in the shed blood of Jesus for the remission of this sin.

[Jaded]

Who is surprised? Show of hands, please.

[Decepticon]

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

"Was Frank Loyd Wright. Was Ben Gay. Does a bear......."

[fishtank]

He is infamous.

There is only one other thing that makes more headlines than the Bishop, and that's a movie about sheepherders in Wyoming.

[WashingtonSource]

Is the Pope Catholic?