Gay Episcopalian bishop predicts other churches will welcome gays

Agence France-Presse. | 8/06/03

[kattracks]

The US Episcopal church's first openly gay bishop predicted that other churches would soon follow his denomination's example in welcoming gays into their leadership.

"I suspect that before too very long, other denominations will also follow and welcome openly gay and lesbian people into leadership positions. That's my prayer," Gene Robinson told ABC television on Wednesday.

A majority of the church's House of Bishops on Tuesday voted 62 to 45 to ratify Robinson's appointment as bishop of New Hampshire, church officials said, ending three days of contentious debate.

Conservatives within church ranks, many of whom have fiercely opposed Robinson's election on the grounds it violates Biblical teachings, were quick to express their disapproval, and a group of 24 bishops threatened to resign if he were elected.

"Well, anytime anyone decides to leave the church, it's a very sad thing. And I certainly have been praying and will be praying every day that such a thing does not happen," Robinson said. "Indeed, I don't think it needs to happen."

"The Episcopal Church in this country, and the Anglican community worldwide, the great gift we bring to the world is we are able to maintain a wide diversity of opinions on various issues while holding our faith in Jesus Christ as central and the thing that binds us together as the body of Christ. So I think there's no reason for us to come apart," Robinson said.

The Episcopal Church, the US branch of the Anglican Church, has more than 2.1 million followers, making it the 10th-largest Protestant church in the United States.

[The Old Hoosier]

"Old Hoosier Predicts Catholic Church Will Welcome Last Believing Episcopalians"

[JustAnAmerican]

If I were a biblical prophecy type person, I would be starting to think we were in the 10 years of the devil.

[JonathansMommie]

It says in the Bible man Should not be with a man nor a women with a women. Now why after century's are these Gay's & Lesbians trying to rewrite the bible and think that it is ok. And Especially For someone in a leadership role in a Church. This world is getting Sicker And sicker And more Evil as the day's Go by. God Help Us All.

[JonathansMommie]

It says in the Bible man Should not be with a man nor a women with a women. Now why after century's are these Gay's & Lesbians trying to rewrite the bible and think that it is ok. And Especially For someone in a leadership role in a Church. This world is getting Sicker And sicker And more Evil as the day's Go by. God Help Us All.

[quark]

The Archbishop of Nigeria (17+ million Anglicans) had it right: Satan is at work in the Epsicopal Church USA.

[Lexington Green]

The Church of What's Happening Now

[RussianConservative]

Don't worry, Dogma of the Orthodox Church not changed in 1200 years since last Ecomunical Council, not gonna change now because some American queers want it to....we just not going to do it. At least 300 million Christians do not abandon Christ.

[goodnesswins]

The Church of Whatever I Want Is OK....

[RussianConservative]

Actually, where is part of woman and woman. I know of part of man and man but not of women.

[PhiKapMom]

I would be willing to bet that the Southern Baptist Convention will not welcome gays and lesbians as ministers. Believe you can take that one to the bank!

[bmwcyle]

I see the horseman riding.

[utahagen]

Thumbs up. I know there is much rancor between the Catholic Church and Orthodox churches, but I share the Pope's hope we are reconciled soon. This is the most tragic division in Chrisendom.

[JonathansMommie]

Sorry I Added that one.

[ken5050]

The ECUSA has LOST more trhan a MILLION members in the last 20 years.....they'll probably lose a million more..this time it'l only take them 5 years to do it..

[sc2_ct]

The deviants are launching a determined attack on the one institution that still holds sway over people and hasn't submitted to them.

[Bikers4Bush]

Organized religion is dead if it openly welcomes the gays.

There would not be any point in supporting any organization that ignores the black and white print it claims to teach.

[F16Fighter]

The Episcopal Church in this country, and the Anglican community worldwide, the great gift we bring to the world is we are able to maintain a wide diversity of opinions on various issues while holding our faith in Jesus Christ as central and the thing that binds us together as the body of Christ.

"Great gift"??

Satan sure is a great PR man!

[Lexington Green]

Leviticus 20: --

If a man lies with a male as one lies with a woman, the two of them have done an abhorrent thing; they shall be put to death--their bloodguilt is upon them.

[Steve_Seattle]

The Catholic Church already has gays in positions of leadership, and we've seen the results in the past few years.