Controversial Gay Anglican Bishop to Visit Hong Kong

The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson will visit Hong Kong in the third week of October. He is the Episcopal Bishop of the American Diocese of New Hampshire, and the first openly gay and partnered bishop in the 78 million member worldwide Anglican Communion. The bishop is using his sabbatical leave as an opportunity to become better acquainted with Southeast Asia.

His consecration in 2003 created a storm in the Anglican world. The upheaval continues to threaten the future unity of the communion. Very much "the eye at the center of that storm", Bishop Robinson is, at the same time, in the perception of the many more who have come to know him in his unsolicited celebrity, a profound embodiment of "grace under fire".

A man of deep faith and courage, his center holds firm even in the face of all the vitriol and hatred that have been directed at him. The threats to his life before his consecration were serious enough for those charged with his protection to compel him to wear a bulletproof vest under his vestments on that special day.

In visiting Hong Kong, Bishop Robinson visits a region and a church in which the rights of sexual minorities are not fully protected by law and in which discrimination against sexual minorities remains the social and ecclesial norm.

The Hong Kong Christian Institute, The Hong Kong Christian Women Council, and the Spiritual Seekers Society will welcome this important voice for justice and for a more inclusive church and society, and host an address entitled "Securing Justice for Sexual Minorities". From the wealth of his personal experience, the Bishop will speak to the work of doing justice in the social, political and institutional-religious arenas.

Bishop Robinson will speak on Saturday afternoon, October 20th, at 3:30PM, at City University of Hong Kong LT - 17. There will be an opportunity for dialogue. Simultaneous translation will be provided.

On Sunday afternoon, October 21st, at 4PM, the Bishop will visit and address the Blessed Minority Christian Fellowship at their place of worship

There will be an "Ecumenical Evensong for a More Inclusive Church and Society", at Bethanie Chapel, on the campus of the Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts in Pokfulam, Sunday afternoon, October 21st, at 6:30PM. After the service, Bishop Robinson will address those who have come to pray.