New Hampshire has a new bishop. The Reverend Canon Gene Robinson will be the Episcopal Church?s first openly gay priest to lead an diocese. His election got final approval from the Episcopal Church USA last night at the General Convention in Minneapolis. New Hampshire Public Radio?s Raquel Maria Dillon talked to local Episcopalians.
Last night in Concord There were more reporters at St. Paul?s Church than parishioners ? everyone stood around the television, waiting for the results of the bishops? vote in Minneapolis.
SOUND TV
When The Reverend David Jones? heard that his friend, colleague, and parishioner would be the next bishop, his chin trembled. He said the vote was a ?holy moment? and the final step in a long process of choosing a new bishop.
JONES :13 this has been a long 18 months for the diocese of nH. we?ve been praying for 18 months that god would help us know who was the right person to be our bishop.
Tense faces melted into relief but the celebration was muted. The only people who were visibly excited were two teenagers, youth delegates to the Convention, just back from Minneapolis.
KIDS giggle, giggle
Alex Broadbent and Jennifer Lombardo hugged and smiled. Even in their giddy joy and exhaustion, they said they knew that not everyone is comfortable with Robinson and his message of inclusiveness.
JENN&ALEX :12 I feel relief and sympathy. Our friends must be going thru a hard time right now. You gotta keep that in mind. Obviously we?re excited.
Robinson?s sexuality was the subject of a great deal of discussion here in New Hampshire. After he was elected in June, the controversy went national at the General Convention. Then, last-minute allegations of sexual harassment and internet pornography delayed the final vote for a day, until a investigation exonerated Robinson.
St. Paul?s pastor, David Jones, said he never doubted his friend. But he acknowledged that Robinson?s ordination will trouble many people.
JONES :18 it?s a wonderful thing for those who know Gene. Scary thing for the diocese of NH and Episcopal church. Something that?s painful for some people. We?re not jumping up and down for joy simply because we know that part of our family are hurting over this.
Throughout the election process, New Hampshire church leaders have maintained that just getting to know Robinson would help those with misgivings feel better about such a bold step for the diocese. But that hasn?t comforted Joann Sampson, an active member of St. Paul?s Church.
SAMPSON :20 David jones has tried very hard to keep people included. I know he?s trying. Bottom line for me is can I be in church where I feel church is just gone off in wrong direction. I dunno. I?m gonna pray about it.
After 20 years as an Episcopalian, Sampson says she?s might attend a Catholic church instead.
SAMPSON :17 I know I?m not the only one. I consider this a huge blow to foundation of church. it?s not about homosexuality, it?s about denying the bible as authority.
So Robinson, Jones, and other pastors have their work cut out for them. Sampson speaks her mind, but there are others who share her feelings but won?t discuss them openly. That?s a real challenge, says Jones.
JONES :18 it?s very hard to respond to a concern and you don?t know it. We have encouraged ppl who are uncomfortable with decision or struggling, to please lets talk. Talk to your priest, fellow parishioners, gene.
Another St. Paul?s parishioner, Joanne Martin, said she?s struggling, but she?ll stick around to see how her community and her faith handle change.
MARTIN :19 we?re in uncharted territory here. On one side scripture is very clear. On the other side I think Gene is blessed and has given a lot to church and has much to offer. I think in that difference is a great faith moment. And I hope we can all walk it together.
Robinson and the rest of the delegation will return to New Hampshire on Saturday. He?ll be consecrated and ordained on November 2nd.
For NHPR News, I?m RMD.
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