[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.

[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.

[cpprfld]

I wonder if there is any truth to these allegations?

[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.

[shrinkermd]

Our Roman Catholic brethern are on notice that Protestants are quite capable of finding, ordaining and protecting Gay clergymen. Protestants won't stand still for being out Gayed on this issue.

[Tacis]

The Episcopals have been going down hill since the Coffin guy at Yale. Where does a faggot get the moral leadership that he needs to provide guidance for his flock? If everything is tenetative and there are no right answers why not just mane Oprah as bishop?

[DManA]

Could this church look any more foolish?

[journey7873]

Come Lord Jesus, quickly!

[88keys]

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.

I could be misinformed about this (?), but my understanding is that all unmarried Episcopal/Anglican clergy are expected and "called" to remain chaste (celibate)...

Not to minimize it, but even aside from "sins" and "finances", if they cannot abide by this, then they should not be priests in their chosen Church, as they have no vocation there. It may be a "technicality", but simply stated, if you want to be an Episcopal priest, you can't have a "partner" of either sex. If you wish to marry, you may (unlike Catholic priests), but even aside from Church "law", if you wish to "marry" someone of your own sex, it's outside civil law as well...some "shepherd of the flock", IMHO!

[dandelion]

A little information Outright from their OWN WEBSITE regarding sex with minors:

"The only adults that are allowed in the Outright space during programs are staff members, interns, and adult advisors. Sometimes other adults will come in for a night to help facilitate a special program. All adults who come to the Outright space agree to live by our ground rules, including confidentiality. All volunteers age 24 and over who work with Outright participants agree not to date, cruise, or sexualize anyone 22 or under.

All volunteers age 23 and under who provide support to Outright participants agree not to cruise, date, or sexualize anyone 15 or under."

Well now, how about that? If you are a 22 year old college student, you can hook up with a 16 year old high school student at OUTRIGHT, all in the name of tolerance!

[Archie Bunker on steroids]

The Episcopal church is responsible for these allegations. They did the math and realized the cost benefit would be in the red. They did, however, get many PC points for their efforts.

The spin is what I'm interested in. The Press releases make it seem like evil conservative groups are trying to derail this nice innocent man.

Top of the hour news had a lady from some dyke organization who was in tears about what was going on. The reporter even repeated how this poor woman was in tears.

History will show that the hateful conservative homophobes did this...even though they did it to themselves.

[dandelion]

Back to the interesting stuff:the "Groundrules from Outright from 2000. The most notable rules address the issues of confidentiality and relationships.

"Respect Confidentiality - who attends and what is said at a meeting or drop-in stays at the meeting or drop-in, not to be discussed outside or at another meeting or drop-in. The only exceptions are in cases where someone is at risk of suicide, homicide or child-abuse/neglect.

Feelings are 100% OK - We are not here to tell anyone what they should or should not feel. Feelings are non-negotiable.

Use of "I" Statements - We encourage people to use "I" statements when sharing thoughts, opinions , and ideas. The use of "I" statements creates a non-judgmental environment. Examples of "I" statements are "I think..", "I feel.." and "I believe...".

Respect Boundaries - Many of us have certain issues that we feel unsafe or uncomfortable discussing. That's OK. We should take necessary steps to ensure that we feel safe, even if that means leaving, or moving to another part of the space.

Respect Relationships - Many of us have multi-faceted relationships with other people at Outright.  In some cases, in may be inappropriate to share details of those relationships when other parties are present. We ask that people try to be sensitive to this. We ask that people avoid gossiping, dishing, and spreading rumors.

Respect Silence - Just because we're not speaking doesn't necessarily mean we're not communicating. We try to be sure that a person is finished sharing before going on to the next person. We ask that no side conversation occur when others are sharing.

Respect Diversity - Outright is made up of people of different ages, races, gender-identities, sexual orientations, classes, political affiliations, abilities, religious or spiritual beliefs, etc. We are HIV+, HIV- and HIV unsure, or untested. We encourage everyone to avoid making assumptions about anyone, and to respect our diversity.

No Judgments, Blame, Shame or Guilt - We come to Outright to get away from these things. We work at keeping our meetings free of them.

No Violence, Alcohol or Drugs - Some of us may be recovering from the effects of drugs, alcohol, and violence in our lives. We respect their needs."

[syriacus]

And the allegations include:
http://asia.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3216717

Episcopalian Vote on Gay Bishop Postponed
Mon August 4, 2003 03:50 PM ET
By Sarah Tippit

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Reuters) - Episcopalian bishops suddenly put off a planned vote on Monday on the church's first openly gay bishop, and one of his supporters said it was because of an accusation of sexual misconduct.

A copy of an e-mail obtained by Reuters that was sent to Vermont Bishop Thomas Ely from a man identified as David Lewis accused New Hampshire bishop-elect Gene Robinson of being a "skirt-chaser" who fondled him two years ago.

"My personal experience with him is he does not maintain appropriate boundaries with men. I believe this is an alarming weakness of character that alone makes Gene unsuitable for the office of bishop," the note, dated Sunday, said.
[snip]