V. GENE ROBINSON Biography - Religious Figures & Icons

 
 

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V. GENE ROBINSON

Name: Gene Robinson                                                                   
Born: 29 May 1947 Lexington, Kentucky                                                 
                                                                                     
The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson (born May 29, 1947) is the ninth bishop of       
the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States of         
America. Robinson was elected bishop in 2003 and entered office on March 7,           
2004. Prior to becoming bishop, he served as assistant to the retiring New           
Hampshire bishop.                                                                     
                                                                                     
Robinson is best known for being the first openly gay, noncelibate priest to be       
ordained to the historical episcopate. His homosexual feelings were privately         
acknowledged in the 1970s, when he studied in seminary, was ordained, married,       
and started a family. He went public with his sexual identity and divorced in         
the 1980s. When delegates to the Episcopal convention were voting on the             
ratification of his election, he was a controversial figure. His election was         
ratified 62 to 45. After his election, theologically conservative parishes have       
aligned themselves with bishops outside The Episcopal Church in the USA, a           
movement called the Anglican realignment. His story has appeared in print and         
film.