Dear Friends and Companions on the Way –

These last few days have been a time of turmoil and confusion in our Church. The confirmation of the Reverend Canon V. Gene Robinson, first by the House of Deputies and then by the House of Bishops, has brought about a deep division and an even deeper sense of sadness in this church that we all love and are faithful to. These are difficult times for us all. Indeed, not only have we consented to Canon Robinson being ordained bishop coadjutor in New Hampshire, but we have been faced with responding to the hope of some of our fellow Episcopalians that we authorize some form of blessing of same gender relationships.

Many of you have asked how I voted regarding consent to ordain Canon Robinson. Shortly after he was elected by the Diocese of New Hampshire, the diocesan staff and stipendiary priests met together. In our meeting I shared my thoughts, both pro and con, to this action by New Hampshire. As our discussion went forward, the most persuasive argument offered was that “it is time that we quit living a lie.” What this meant to me was that we already have clergy, even bishops, who are gay or lesbian, and who live in some kind of spiritual, psychological, and physical relation with another person of the same gender. Why, then, do we find ourselves offended when Canon Robinson is public about who he is? Perhaps it is because we are more willing to live a life of denial than to face relationship with those whose integrity compels them to be honest and open about the totality of their being, even their sexuality.

But today is a sad day for our church. Those who opposed Canon Robinson’s ordination as bishop, do so because they love the Lord and his church. While at the same time, those who support the ministry of this man do so for the very same reason. Indeed, let us be honest - some among us are very unhappy with the action taken by the majority. I understand that sadness and do not wish to make light of it.

So where does this leave us? Canon Robinson will be ordained a bishop in the church. But – and this is a very big but – the church in Idaho will continue its mission of being the hands and heart of Jesus in the world. In reality, the ordination of Canon Robinson does not interfere with my relationship with Jesus. Nor does his being a bishop corrupt or destroy the faith community that has formed and nurtured you and me into adulthood. Our faith is shaped by relationship with those who have been instruments of God’s Peace and Love. Our faith is dependent on nothing other than the Love of God that makes all things new – even you and me.

As I write this, the House of Bishops is voting not to authorize the development of a Liturgy for the Blessing of Same Sex Unions. It is our expressed feeling that the Anglican Communion is not ready for such action. Likewise, to do so now would be one more example of Americans ignoring what the rest of the world thinks, and proceeding to do what a majority of us, our government included, wills in relation with the rest of the world. This is not a good way to solve the differences that separate us.

I pose two questions for your consideration. First, “In what ways has your relation with Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior been changed by this action of the General Convention?” And second, “How has your relation with the local faith community with whom you live day in and day out been impacted or changed by the proposed action of the Church?”

These are difficult times for our church. But with the intention of each of us and the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can continue to journey together, seeking that place where we can praise God, each in his/her own way and with the assurance that each of us is a beloved child of God, now and always.

I so much appreciate our journey together. And I ask again for your continued prayers (as I pray for you) for our life as the people of God in the Diocese of Idaho.

In Christ’s Redeeming Love,

+Harry

And, yes – I did vote to confirm Canon Robinson’s election by the Diocese of New Hampshire, as did the entire deputation that represented us in the House of Deputies.