Vote On Gay Bishop Delayed; Allegations Surface

nbc4.com, Minneapolis ^ | August 4, 2003

[Pan_Yans Wife]

The vote on confirming a gay Episcopal bishop was postponed Monday in light of allegations of pornography and inappropriate conduct, a church spokesman said.

A vote was expected Monday in Minneapolis that could make a New Hampshire clergyman, the Rev. Gene Robinson, the church's first openly gay elected bishop.

The spokesman said the postponement came after allegations emerged involving "touching" and "pornography." He declined to elaborate.

The church's House of Deputies has voted overwhelmingly to approve Robinson, who faces a final vote in the House of Bishops.

Robinson says Sunday's results make him feel "very peaceful on the inside" and "very humbled."

But the American Anglican Council, which represents conservative bishops and parishes, said it is "deeply grieved" by the results.

Robinson, a 56-year-old divorced father of two, has lived with his partner, Mark Andrew, for 13 years.

Bishops who believe gay sex is a sin say the approval of Robinson will weaken and divide the denomination and spark a bitter fight over parish property and funds.

But liberals say the threat has been exaggerated and note that many conservatives had pledged to break ties before over issues such as ordaining women but did not follow through.

[Eala]

But liberals say the threat has been exaggerated and note that many conservatives had pledged to break ties before over issues such as ordaining women but did not follow through.

While overlooking the decline in attendance in the church because so many people (and even parishes) have left over the years. Typical liberal lies...

[lilylangtree]

Delaying tactic to avoid the big split in the church that will surely occur. In layman terms, the leadership doesn't want to say "good-by" to all the money that will go with the split.

[My2Cents]

Let's see...The guy's a homosexual. Gee, do you think he might have engaged in inappropriate conduct?

[Fee]

The Bible states the qualifications for a minister. Looks like they forgot to check when they ordained a woman, and now attempting to ordain a gay man. This church is spiritually broken and is on its way out. Probably will end up like the churches of Europe. All that remains is beautiful cathedrals, empty on Sundays but filled with tourists on weekdays.

[Old Sarge]

The Catholic Church has been smeared by the homo-priests in their ranks.

Now the target is the ECUSA. Which religion is next? And which religion will be left standing, if any?

[carlo3b]

Shocked, shocked... a gay (fill in any title), that can't behave morally behind closed doors... shocked ..DUH

[knak]

before over issues such as ordaining women but did not follow through.

Doesn't the bible say something about that too. That men are supposed to be the only ones that preach.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

I haven't been able to find the number of parishoners in the Episopal church, in the US, today. Does anyone have that statistic?

The reason why I ask, is someone mentioned that their numbers were not very large, and thus the church should actually be called a sect.

I have no way of knowing if this is true, or not.

[Maynerd]

Now the target is the ECUSA. Which religion is next? And which religion will be left standing, if any?

Branch Davidians ?

[BubbaBasher]

"allegations of pornography and inappropriate conduct"

Well, duh! Doesn't the fact that he is gay mean he engages in inappropriate behavior???

[Onelifetogive]

The spokesman said the postponement came after allegations emerged involving "touching" and "pornography."

LOL!!!

Let's see...abandoning your wife and children and the buggering of one's new "partner" - OK. Touching and porno - Not OK.

[Cyclops08]

"Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,
nor thieves, nor {the} covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinithians 6:9-10

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Does the allegation hint at pedophilia? Because wouldn't that be why the code-word, "touching" is used? Is it ever used when speaking of intimacy between a married man and woman?

[smokinleroy]

Sodomy? No problem.
Looking at pictures of naked people? You're outta here!

[cpprfld]

I wonder if there is any truth to these allegations?

[Jaded]

The Remnant.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

The timing seems suspicious.

However, maybe the timing is the only way to derail this.

[Dems_R_Losers]

IMO, this vote would still not have been delayed if the votes were there for Robinson. These "allegations" look to me like a smokescreen, otherwise we would have seen more information about them today.