Openly gay Episcopal Bishop to retire over death threats

Bishop Gene Robinson was the first openly gay priest to be ordained as Bishop of any Christian denomination. His ordination in 2003 was extremely controversial, and he has now announced he will retire early because of the strain it has placed on his family.

Death threats have been a fact of life since his ordination seven years ago–Bishop Robinson even wore a bullet proof vest to his own consecration.

“The fact is, the last seven years have taken their toll on me, my family and you,” Robinson wrote in a message posted on the diocese website.

“Death threats, and the now-worldwide controversy surrounding your election of me as bishop have been a constant strain, not just on me, but on my beloved husband, Mark, who has faithfully stood with me every minute of the last seven years.”

It is appalling the lengths to which people go when motivated by hatred and fear. I applaud Bishop Robinson for his bravery in confronting such deep-seeded hatred, and for demonstrating how a person of faith can stand up for the rights of LGBT people.

Via Joe My God