Robinson discusses LGBT role in church
The era of "straight, white, western, privileged males" making "decisions for all of the world" is coming to an end as society becomes more inclusive of diverse groups, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopalian Church argued in a lecture yesterday.
Vicki Gene Robinson — who sparked controversy in 2003 after becoming bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire despite his sexual orientation — recalled his story and experiences, discussed homosexuality's role in the church and speculated about the future in a lecture titled "The End of Patriarchy."
Robinson said some people oppose homosexuality in order to mask more real societal problems.
"One of the reasons we are focusing on homosexuality is so that we don't have to focus on sexuality," he said. "I think we're maybe looking at a massive denial and avoidance mechanism for confronting real issues around human sexuality that all of us need to be involved in," such as the rising divorce rate and infidelity.
Born in 1947 to a family of tobacco sharecroppers in Kentucky, Robinson grew up in poverty, without access to running water until he was 10. Despite such circumstances, he became the valedictorian of his high school class. It was during this time, Robinson said, that he became more skeptical about the Disciples of Christ denomination in which he had been raised.
"I began to question the way that my church helped me to look at the world," Robinson said. Robinson discusses LGBT role in church
Princeton University The Daily Princetonian,
Vicki Gene Robinson — who sparked controversy in 2003 after becoming bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire despite his sexual orientation — recalled his story and experiences, discussed homosexuality's role in the church and speculated about the future in a lecture titled "The End of Patriarchy."
Robinson said some people oppose homosexuality in order to mask more real societal problems.
"One of the reasons we are focusing on homosexuality is so that we don't have to focus on sexuality," he said. "I think we're maybe looking at a massive denial and avoidance mechanism for confronting real issues around human sexuality that all of us need to be involved in," such as the rising divorce rate and infidelity.
Born in 1947 to a family of tobacco sharecroppers in Kentucky, Robinson grew up in poverty, without access to running water until he was 10. Despite such circumstances, he became the valedictorian of his high school class. It was during this time, Robinson said, that he became more skeptical about the Disciples of Christ denomination in which he had been raised.
"I began to question the way that my church helped me to look at the world," Robinson said. Robinson discusses LGBT role in church
Princeton University The Daily Princetonian,
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10/08/2007 11:27:00 PM
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