The people of New Hampshire, through a prayerful, thoughtful, and deliberative process, have come to the conclusion that God is calling the Rev. Canon Gene Robinson to be their Bishop Coadjutor. They arrived at this decision also after having experienced Canon Robinson's ministry among them for well over 20 years.
I will respect the prayerful discernment of another diocese in electing its Bishop. Assuming that all other matters are in order, I expect to be supportive of the decision of the people of New Hampshire.
It is important to remember that we are now talking about a specific person rather than a generic issue. I know Gene Robinson. I have worked with him and have respect for him as a Christian who loves our Lord and as a priest who seeks to serve him faithfully.
I am aware that there are loyal, faithful Christians in the Episcopal Church who may stand in different places and interpret this situation differently. I respect that and respect them for their faith positions and heartfelt concerns. The Episcopal Church is a place where we are bound together by our baptism and commitment to Jesus Christ as his disciples. In that communion of Christ we are brothers and sisters in the family of God. There is room for all in that family, regardless of our various perspectives on questions before us. Now is a time to place our trust in that God who in Jesus Christ has called us, above all things, to be his people of love in the world. I am reminded of the words of the hymn which says, "In Christ there is no east nor west, in him no south, no north, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth."
June 9, 2003