HunterXan wrote:
My mother is Episcopalian, and she tells me that the major objection many hold to Bishop Robinson is not that he is gay, but rather that he walked out on and turned his back on his wife and children to live with his current partner. They view this as adultry, and they condemn him for not supporting his children.
I reply:
HunterXan-Their homophobia is loud and clear. They have lied: Read here:
Your mother has been misled. Religious bigotry strikes again.
I know it's not you! :-)
Another long stretch, but hoping to be more regular
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7 comments:
Interesting. While I usually take Wikipedia with a few grains of salt, this adds yet another wrinkle to the whole story; this looks to be very legitimate, and I'll certainly pass this on to my mother.
I will say that for her, personally, and for many of the members of her church, I do believe it's the whole divorced bishop issue. But I also suspect they have not been given the whole story.
I, for one, was thrilled when Robinson was ordained. Every step, no matter how large or small, toward universal acceptance of all our brethren is a cause for celebration.
While I no longer call myself Xtian, I do respect Jesus the man and all he stood for. He was a radial, a revolutionary, and just plain an amazing human being. So many of the things that have been done and said in his name throughout history are such egregious abominations. I've often wondered about conversations in the next life---"You did WHAT in my name????"
P.S. And I know you know it's not me!! ;)
I followed that link and read what was written. I think it is so sad that this poor guy's whole life is out there on Wikipedia. We seem far too preoccupied with what people get up to behind closed doors. Somehow the moment someone becomes a public figure we think we have the right to know every single thing about them. Reality TV has a lot to answer for, lives under a microscope. Makes me want to go and live on an island far away from people and their twitching curtains.
I'm so with you, Beverly!
On the other hand, I think it speaks even more to the courage of Bishop Robinson and others like him. He knew when he accepted this position what kinds of invasions of his private life he would face, and he chose to follow his heart and spirit. I wonder, would some of these fundamentalist haters be so willing to open their entire lives in a similar manner to stand up for their beliefs?
And, regardless, the Episcopal Church seems to have no problem with priests leaving their wives and children to marry other women. I have a friend who married a twice divorced priest. That makes this a third marriage for him.
If there is no bigotry, can you tell me - what's the difference? Either no divorce or, to make it open minded and fair, hush.
And, I'm with both of you with the sadness that this man has to be publicly humiliated. Of course, I feel that way with politicians, as well. I don't care what private lives they lead. I believe that there is no one who is so pure they are above any kind of blackmail. I doubt, in today's world, sexual "misconduct" would be so horrendous that a public official would sell the government's secrets to avoid a "scandal." Of course, if we continue to make these things a major issue in elections and the ability of officials to remain in office, we may change that.
Of course, let us not forget the Episcopal Church is the American offshoot of the Anglican Church, founded by that paragon of matrimonial virtue, Henry VIII!
I always had a bit of trouble with that, growing up. Couldn't quite reconcile the concept of the sanctity of marriage with a church founded on divorce...
Bishop Robinson and his wife, I have read, had a very loving albeit sad (as is the end of most relationships) leavetaking in a ceremony. I have also read - or actually have heard him say - that shortly after he was elected, he was in a great deal of physical danger and at one point wore a bullet-proof vest! I, too, was thrilled when he was ordained. If you've ever heard this man speak, you'd know why. And I can understand why the Episcopalians in NH would elect him. I still remain episcopalian and, despite our faults and failings, believe I am in a better place than I was before. I still believe, but not in a cruel and vicious God - never could actually.
Colin, I think you are correct about what the issue with Bishop Robinson was - his divorce was almost a non-issue. He remains close to his family, I understand.
Take care,
Joan
PS It was his ordination that was one of the final deciding factors in switching from RC to Episcopalian. To some that's not a big switch, but to me it was an ocean:)
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