The controversial ordination of Anglican women, including two in New Zealand, has not split the church so why should the ordination of gays and lesbians be any different, says gay American Bishop Gene Robinson. Speaking on Radio New Zealand National this morning, Robinson says he has been misquoted in the past, in reports that he would step down as Bishop if that would avoid a split in the Anglican church. He says he actually offered to the Archbishop of Canterbury that he would do anything "short of stepping down" to avoid such a schism. Robinson says the main opposition to the ordination of gays is emanating from the African-based branch of the church, with Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria calling Robinson's election as bishop in 2003 "the work of Satan." A large group of anti-gay African bishops is boycotting the forthcoming 10-yearly Lambeth Conference of the Anglican church hierarchy and instead convening in Jordan and Jerusalem. Robinson and his partner are to be united in a Civil Union on June 1st, ahead of his informal attendance at the Lambeth Conference to which the Archbishop of Canterbury invited Robinson to only one minor meeting. Robinson says he has received death threats emanating from England which has prompted the pair to enter the Civil Union to protect his partner and family should he be killed. He plans to wear a bullet proof vest in public in Lambeth, as he as done on FBI advice on previous occasions including his ordination. The full interview with Robinson, on the Nine to Noon programme, can be accessed through the link below.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 20th May 2008 - 11:55am