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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 15, 2003)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ august 1 5 . 2QÛ3 « ! ■ ■ * e e ä . rTÎTTTTTÎTl news he Episcopal House of Bishops confirmed the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as the denominations first openly gay bishop during their 74th General Convention on Aug. 5 in Minneapolis. He will lead the diocese of New Hampshire, which elected him in June. Diocesan bishops only were permitted to cast ballots; 62 voted in favor, 43 were opposed, and two abstained. Robinson needed only a simple majority to win consent. Earlier that day he was cleared of 1 lth-hour allegations of sexual misconduct. The investiga tion explored a claim that Robinson was involved in a Web site that ultimately linked to an adult-content site. It also looked into an e-mail allegation from a Vermont man claiming inappropriate touching by the bishop-elect. Both claims surfaced after the House of Deputies approved the election of Robinson on Aug. 3. After Robinson and the Standing Commit tee of the Diocese of New Hampshire requested an inquiry, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold appointed Bishop Gordon P. Scruton of Western Massachusetts to investigate the charges. He later concluded that “there is no necessity to pursue further investigation and no reason on these grounds to prevent the bishops with juris diction from going forward with their voting about whether or not to consent to Canon Robinson’s consecration.” The confirmation process, reported widely as having the potential to prompt a schism in the Anglican community, underscored Robinson’s support in the national Episcopal community and an outspoken desire for unity in the church. “1 am excited and thrilled at the action of the House of Bishops,” says the Rev. Susan Russell, executive director of Claiming the Blessing, a H allelujah ! hell o f a long time to do that,” he says. “The problem is not going away.” However, Mason doesn’t Episcopal Church confirms first openly gay bishop predict this controversy will lead to schism. He remembers identi by Jim R ad o sta cal threats were made after women were given more powers in the denomination. Against Defama partnership of leading Episcopal queer organiza "There was the same ‘Oh, tions. “As difficult as these last couple of days tion central re you’ve ruined my church’ kind have been, 1 am gratified to be part of a church gional media man of thing,” says Mason, a social that is willing to work together through hard ager, followed worker at Arleta Elementary news coverage of times. This is a prophetic step forward taken by School. “ It turns out that after the Episcopal Church on behalf of G LB T peo Robinson’s elec that— all the protesters— only tion, most of it ple and the Gospel.” one-third of 1 percent actually focusing on divi Russell adds, “1 believed all along that Gene left the church because of that sion within the was an extraordinanly good choice to be the next resolution." bishop of New Hampshire and feel that the Gen church rather than Mason says he has met its commitment to eral Convention has now said ‘amen’ to what the Robinson, who he calls “a great unity and respect Holy Spirit said to the people of New Hampshire.” guy.” He notes that Robinson Frank Griswold, presiding bishop of the Epis ful debate. “A l served as a pnest in New Hamp though . there has copal Church, says his church has a “diverse shire for 28 years without incident. been some sensa The Rev. V. Gene Robinson was cleared center,” a vast body of clergy and laity who hold “There’s just some glow differing opinions but want to stay together. “1 tionalized report of 1 lth-hour allegations of sexual around this guy when you’re in ing of a potential misconduct prior to the vote Aug. 5 have deep confidence in the power of the Spirit his company,” he said. “He’s to do amazing things and hold us with all our schism and unrest such a gentle, loving man.” diversities in union with one another.” in the church, we are seeing the denomination Although frustrated about the situation, come to resolution despite differences of opin The Rev. Steven Baines, People for the Mason says the vote at least gave gay Episctv ion,” he said. American Way religious organizer, agrees. He palians a moment of relief. “We’re not trying to O n the other hand, Portlander Bruce notes that, as with the debate concerning the take over their churches. We just want to be Mason sees little cause tor celebration amid the participation of women lti the church 27 years acknowledged for who we are in our own church church’s ongoing animosity. He was at the ago, reports of schism and disharmony are being es. It’s ridiculous because everybody knows who’s Minneapolis convention serving in his role as overreported. Western regional vice president for Integrity, a gay in a parish, and it’s not usually a big deal. But “These are turning points for the church that we just want to be legitimized." J H nonprofit organization that has been pushing open doors for social justice,” Baines says. “The for the full inclusion of queers in the Episcopal pillars and foundations of the church have not For more information about INTEGRITY call cnimbled with these votes, nor will they with Church since 1974. “The church decided that gays were fully 503-286-9111, e-mail brucepdxur@atthi.com or this historic vote.” included in the people of God— it took them a visit wvav .mtegrityusa . arg. Timothy Rusch, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Frame Show W hy Buy a Valor Gas Fireplace Insert? Saturday, Augiut 23,20 03 11:00 am to 4:00 pm • Incredible Value, Features, Price • Steady, even heat with no electricity • Efficient, effective heater • Programmable remote control • $1 749 with cast face, $1449 with steel face NEW G3 INSERT V^alor Homestead Stove Company 2729 NE Broadway, Portland 503-282-3615 www.homesteadstove.com EYES ON BROADWAY Thomas M. Barreto, OD Heidi R. Boersma, OD John R. 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