Sunday's consecration of openly gay Episcopalian Bishop V. Gene Robinson, despite the vehement opposition of "traditionalists," is a milestone, and cheers to Bishop Robinson for refusing pleas that he step aside for the sake of "unity" (i.e., so that supporters of anti-gay discrimination in both the U.S. church and the worldwide Anglican Communion shouldn't be so upset). Placating proponents of prejudice is the last thing any religious denomination ought to do, and shame on those who think "unity" is more important than righteousness. Would they have urged northern-state Baptists in the 1860s to accept slavery least the southern-state Baptists take offense and schism (which, of course, they did)?
The anti-gay American Anglican Council, a network of churches and church officials moving to break with the denomination over Bishop Robinson's consecration, issued a statement saying "heresy has been held up as holy" and that "blasphemy has been redefined as blessing." They added, "The arrogance of the leaders of the Diocese of New Hampshire and the Episcopal Church is nothing less than stunning."
No, it's the arrogance of this anti-gay council that is stunning, and their belief that blind obedience to tradition should take precedence over the expanding revelation of human dignity.
One of the
AP stories noted,
"Though there have been gay bishops in the past, all were closeted when they were elevated to their posts. Robinson has been open about his 14-year relationship with his partner throughout the process in which he won election to the new post."
And this is precisely what has so upset the "traditionalists" --
that gay people should no longer be shamed and shunned and forced
to lie and hide. What a dark and evil faith these folks adhere to.
And how, well, unchristian.
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