The wonderful energy of the 200+ New Hampshire college students who gathered to offer a counter voice to the God Hates Fags folks who had predictably shown up to spew their hateful rhetoric from the sidelines. "Two, four, six, eight - Jesus loves you gay or straight" was the cheer they sent up - representing the hope of a new generation ready to claim the blessing of the inclusive Gospel.

The music was wonderful - from the young people's bell choir to the massed choir: the congregational singing (in the acoustic challenged hockey rink!) was glorious and as so often happens for me it was in the music moments that reached the deepest. I was clearly not alone - there was hardly a dry eye in the altar party when we finished "I Want To Walk As A Child of the Light."

Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold presided with grace and dignity with just enough of his dry wit evidenced to keep the service moving forward during even its most challenging moments, interrupting the objector who insisted on voicing graphic details of specific sexual acts with a gentle but firm, "Spare us the details." What a wonderful icon of the episcopate to see gathered around him in front of the altar Barbara Harris - the first woman bishop in the Anglican communion AND Ed Browning - the Presiding Bishop who said with such conviction "There will be no outcasts" in the Episcopal Church - along with other representatives from around the country and communion.

Touching moments included the presentation of gifts to the new bishop when Gene's partner Mark and his two daughters, Jamee and Ella presented him with the gold miter he would wear for the rest of the service and into his episcopate and Gene's heartfelt thanks and greetings to the congregation gathered. After the service a reception "appeared" on the arena floor and hundreds of elated congregants milled about greeting old friends and making new ones, everyone saying over and over, "Wasn't it great? Isn't this wonderful?"

During the service I was seated in the press area and admit to a moment of crankiness that I wasn't processing with the other clergy and having to "work rather than worship" up there with secular journalists who kept leaning over saying, "I hate to bother you but what are they doing now? What did he mean by that? Can you point out Bishop Fill-In-The-Blank." It was just a moment, however - as the liturgy was powerful enough to even seep up into the press box and I got yet-another-opportunity to tell the Good News of this church to a media at least momentarily interested in what we have to say!

And speaking of the press, thanks be to God for Bishop Barbara Harris! From Stephan Bates' report in The Guardian: [Bishop Harris] told the Boston Globe: "This is a power struggle as to who is going to run the church, the white boys who have always run it, or some different kinds of people. White men see their church being changed and they don't like it."

And there you have it. In the end all they can argue scripture, tradition, polity and biology all they want but when it really comes down to it it's not about theology or even sexuality - it's about power. And it's about time for us to get on with the work we have ahead of us and step away from the arguments which has surrounded us. The joy of yesterday's celebration will linger for many days to come and the gift of Gene's episcopate will bless this church for many years to come. The work immediately in front of us is to "catch the wave" of the attention the Episcopal Church has received and reach out to those for whom a church where there are no outcasts is good news - who long for the spiritual community we offer - who will find a home here in "this inn where all may be joyfully received."

And now I'm off to pack a suitcase and catch a plane - full of gratitude for the blessings of these last amazing weeks and months and full of enthusiasm for the work ahead.

Blessings,
(The Reverend) Susan Russell, President
Integrity
714-356-5718 (mobile)
626-583-2740 (office)

 Hundreds in Procession

An impressive procession included banners and delegations from New Hampshire churches and schools of the diocese. 

It followed a traditional processional cross and torches behind which a white kite, in the form of a dove with streamers representing the Holy Spirit, flew.  The congregational hymn was “The Church’s one foundation.”  The pageantry included incense.

A second procession included Episcopal, ecumenical and interfaith guests. 

Among Robinson’s 13 presenters were Integrity founder and Alabama native Dr. Louie Crew, the Rev. Michael Hopkins, outgoing president of Integrity International and Mark Andrew, partner of the bishop coadjutor for more than a decade.

More than 40 bishops processed and were seated on the floor of the arena, immediately facing the altar party.

The six co-consecrating bishops included the Right Rev. Edmond Lee Browning, immediate past presiding bishop, and the Right Rev. Barbara C. Harris, retired Bishop Suffragan off Massachusetts.

Harris became the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion in 1989 “amid similar controversy,” according to the Boston Globe.

Ice Rink Transformed

The event took place on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham at a hockey arena where pads were placed on top of the ice rink. 

An altar was assembled atop an enormous oriental rug. The setting included towering torches, ambo and dozens of patens and chalices. 

A choir of more than 200 had assembled with orchestral and organ accompaniment.

Objections in Liturgy

The liturgy for the ordination and consecration of a bishop calls for objectors to make known reasons why a consecration should not proceed after presentation, testimonials and signing of the declaration. 

For some ten minutes, three people voiced opposition to Robinson’s consecration.   The Rev. Earle Fox’s objection included a detailed description of sexual activity that he perceived as basis to reject Robinson due to choice in behavior. 

Griswold halted the denunciation by saying,  ''…spare us these details and come to the substance.''

Suffragan bishop David Gena of Albany spoke for a delegation of five delivering objection on behalf of 36 Episcopal bishops.  The statement included references to chosen lifestyles as incompatible with scripture.

A New Hampshire woman, Meredith Harwood, voiced opposition as well, calling the action one that “turns our back on almighty God.”  She called Robinson’s election a “plunge into unrighteousness that tears the fabric of communion at its deepest level.”

Griswold responded to the objectors collectively.  “The basis of the objections put forward are well known and, I think, have been considered by both this diocese and the general convention… We shall proceed,” he said.

Brad LaMonte described the Presiding Bishop’s response to objections as remarkable.  He described Griswold’s response to the conservative objectors as one of strength, “while showing them nothing but grace.”  LaMonte was also impressed with Robinson’s attitude toward his detractors. 

“I continue to be moved by Gene's endless expressions of love for all those who have worked tirelessly in effort to ruin his election to the episcopacy.  He is a role model for all Christians,” he said.

Immediately after Gena’s delegation returned to the arena’s seating area, approximately one hour into the service, the Suffragan bishop and approximately 25 people departed.

The Sermon

The Right Rev. Douglas E. Theuner, Eighth Bishop of New Hampshire, who Robinson will succeed, spoke for approximately 30 minutes, often drawing applause.  ( Link to video & audio of sermon )

Theuner challenged Robinson to continue to study Holy Scripture and boldly proclaim the gospel, emphasizing the importance of, “…comprehending, not quoting (scripture); understanding the whole life and ministry of Jesus Christ which was totally to outcasts.”

He also pointed out that scripture was used in the past to uphold slavery and much deliberation has been spent on the topics of divorce and remarriage, war and peace.

Referring to the tempestuous activity preceding Robinson’s consecration, Theuner said the events had not been, “… the mother of all battles.”

Instead he challenged those assembled to watch for “defining Christian moments” such as he had witnessed, when

• an abused woman who gains enough confidence to participate in a group Bible study;
• the gay man who reads the church’s welcome sign and then finds love and full acceptance within the church; and,
• the abusive landlord who receives communion next to his renter and learns from the experience to respect the dignity of every human being.

Vesting and Presentation

Robinson received vestments, toward which Integrity Alabama contributed, as gifts.  According to the event program, the presentation cross belongs to the Diocese of New Hampshire.  However, Robinson’s personal pectoral cross is to be fashioned from gold donated for that purpose by the people of New Hampshire.

The crosier is a Palestinian shepherd’s crook from the Holy Land, gifted by Theuner, selected because of Robinson’s, “interest in, study of and concern for that significant part of the world.”

Prior to the exchange of the Peace, and two hours into the service, Robinson made a brief statement, his voice occasionally breaking with emotion but strong as he addressed the congregation concerning his detractors and those feeling a need to leave the Episcopal Church.

“There are many people, faithful, wonderful people who are in pain, confusion and disagreement,” he said, asking those present to be, “hospitable, loving and caring.”  

“If these people leave, we will welcome them back and do everything we can to love them the way that God loves us… we can remain brothers and sisters in Christ,” he added.

In addition to addressing the honor he felt for the people of New Hampshire calling him as bishop, Robinson asked the assembled to, “use this time for God.

“The eyes of the world are on us.  Use it.  People have no idea how loved they are.  Use this event to reach out to all those who hunger for it,” he said.

Heightened Security

More than 100 officers participated in the intra-agency security detail necessary for the event.  Horse mounted patrol officers were stationed near banks of press vans that were adjacent to space designated for demonstrators.  Dog patrols were also present.

Those who stood in line up to three hours before the 4 p.m. event in drizzling rain were required to show color-coded admission tickets before entering an area through which all were required to pass through metal detectors and were required to open purses and bags for inspection.  Cameras were held for retrieval after the event.

Click here to see earlier article concerning Alabama reactions to Robinson's nomination on QueerVoice.com

Personal Reflections

From David Gary:  Seldom have I experienced my feet being on holy ground as they were in New Hampshire on All Saints weekend.  God’s presence was very very real.

It seems press accounts and Internet news over the past few months featured a barrage of negativity from a very vocal minority within our church. The experience in New Hampshire allowed me, for the first time in my Christian life, to be in the company of a solid majority who are proud to affirm the gospel as it applies to those of us at the margins.

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From Brad LaMonte:  There is no mission of the Church more important than the availability of God's love for all. 

The election and consecration of Gene Robinson represents another frontier towards the Kingdom of God in its real inclusion of GLBT Christians. GLBT members of Church are now represented even in the highest level of ordained ministry - the House of Bishops.  The consecration of Gene Robinson represents the real beginning to the end of the legislative hate existing within the Church.

It will be awhile for us in Alabama to fully experience God's love in every parish, but despite the best efforts of the conservative establishment in our diocese, the Church has changed.  The longer Alabama resists full inclusion the weaker the Church will be.

I would have been no place else on Sunday evening.  Having worked very hard at General Convention to see to Gene's consent,  it was very important for me to be present to witness this historic event,” he said, adding, “I was too young when Barbara Harris was consecrated, so this was my opportunity to witness a major historic event in our Church.

+ + +

From Jim Payne: Let us celebrate Gene Robinson's consecration and the advance in acceptance in the human family.  In our celebration let us also remember our Sisters and Brothers in their struggle to find God's presence even in this challenge for them.  Let us remember that in times of growth we too are challenged and struggle.  Let us remember them in love and pray for them, that they know God in the place of Chaos.  Chaos is where creation is created anew each moment.  When our hackles are raised and our tempers are high let us remember that those who anger us are our neighbor and even if they do something contrary to our direct experience of God to pray for them.  In our prayers let us do so for their sake and not for our comfort, for we are all on the journey together.

In our struggles and challenges let us remember to give God thanks for that which seems good now, and also for that which brings me dis-ease and discomfort.

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NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE
MEDIA RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheri A. Lunn – Director of Communications
media@ngltf.org; 323-857-8751

http://www.ngltf.org
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-Consecration of New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson: A Commentary by Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman

Following is a commentary from Matt Foreman, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director, regarding the consecration of V. Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire:

Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of attending V. Gene Robinson's consecration as Bishop of New Hampshire. I knew this was a historic day. But I had no idea how awe-inspiring and hope-restoring it would be.

For several months, I've been despairing about what our national lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community will be facing over the next year. It's already clear that our lives and relationships will be brutally distorted and demonized by the religious and political right - fodder in the 2004 elections. With Leviticus and St. Paul being used as cynical clubs, we will be made the Willie Hortons of this political season. Our opponents' skillful exploitation of the Supreme Court's Lawrence decision and so many other pro-gay things that happened over the summer has driven down public support for our equal rights for the first time in years. And, it's not like we can count on "good friends" in office - we've seen them turn tail and run so many times rather than stand up for our us.

Yesterday, however, gave me great hope. There, 4,000 guests -congregants, really - came not just to witness but to wholeheartedly endorse what is to many abject heresy: the consecration of an openly gay man as a bishop of the church. (The consecration of a bishop in the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches is huge because of the importance both place on "apostolic succession" - tracing the lineage of their bishops directly back to St. Peter.)

I don't know what I expected, but I was overwhelmed to see the make-up of the crowd. Yes, some gay folk. But, overwhelmingly, the faces reflected straight, Episcopal New Hampshire. Hundreds of older married couples and hundreds of younger couples with their children. High school students. The combined choirs of a dozen churches. Flocks of UNH students guiding people to their seats. While the look and dress was definitely flinty-New Englander, the air was charged with electricity.

The high church processional (over the covered ice of the hockey arena) was led by representatives of all the parishes in the diocese carrying their congregation's banner. They were followed by priests - yes, a few with rainbow stoles - of every age and race. (Then came a young priest with a smoking gold incense censor on a chain swinging it in high circle-eights - moves that would leave even the most accomplished circuit party flagger astonished.) Last came more than 40 bishops in scarlet robes, ending with the Presiding Bishop of the American church and other senior bishops in flowing vestments.

People who objected to the consecration were allowed to speak, including one priest from Pittsburgh who embarrassed himself by talking about oral and anal sex and even rimming. Each was politely thanked for their comments. When they and about 50 of their followers then walked out of the arena, however, it was as if they were never even there because their seats were quickly occupied by others.

At the moment of consecration - the "laying of hands" - an act repeated for 2,000 years - all the bishops gathered around Gene and extended their arms toward him. With the threat of worldwide schism hanging over their heads, it was an act of unbelievable courage.

As if there was something to prove - because indeed there was - the audience sang hymns heartily and responded with affirming shouts when asked if they wanted Gene to become their bishop. After he was robed by his family - including his partner and ex-wife - and formally presented to the diocese, wave after wave of applause thundered for long minutes. This was not about doing the "right thing" through gritted teeth; it was a joyous celebration.

Without a doubt, there has never been such a display of overwhelming heterosexual acceptance, affirmation, commitment and love not just for a gay man, but for our entire community, our hopes, and our dreams.

To the people of the Diocese of New Hampshire and the Episcopal Church of the United States - thank you.

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Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is the oldest national organization working to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people at the local, state and national level. The Task Force trains activists and leaders and organizes broad-based campaigns to defeat anti-LGBT referenda and advance pro-LGBT legislation. The Task Force Policy Institute, the community's premiere think tank, researches and reports on critical policy issues. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, the Task Force is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society.