Bishop Vicki: Why not share the pain?

Via VirtueOnline:

By Les Kinsolving
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=88442

February 10, 2009 1:00 am Eastern

For a number of years, the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire has seen its bishop, the Rt. Rev. Vicki Gene Robinson, garner headlines from his speeches and sermons all over the world.

Most recently, he accepted an invitation to give the invocation at one of the pre-Inaugural events celebrating our new president, Barack Obama.

Now, however, there comes news from the Granite State that very probably Bishop Robinson should have spent more time at home with his ecclesiastical flock.

For Episcopal columnist David Virtue reported the following on the Internet: http://tinyurl.com/c4arp6

"The much heralded notion that the consecration of an avowed homosexual to the episcopacy would fill Episcopal pews with tens of thousands of homosexuals has failed to materialize.

"The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, homosexual bishop of New Hampshire, admitted as much when he wrote a letter to his diocesan clergy and lay leaders describing what he calls 'agonizing decisions' to reduce clergy time, eliminate support staff and scale back ministries. 'Dear friends, I know that these days are so very difficult,' wrote Robinson.

"'We, too, have been wrestling with our budget, trying to discern how to maintain staff and mission while facing the prospects of a diminished income. For us at the Diocesan House, any reduction in staff is associated with individuals we know and love, just as any reduction in ministry is associated with mission near and dear to our hearts. So when I say, I share your burdens, I mean it both literally as well as pastorally.'"

At the office of the Diocese of New Hampshire in Concord, I was referred to their public relations officer, Mike Barell, who confirmed the quoted comments in Bishop Robinson's letter.

So, I asked about columnist Virtue's report: "Robinson, however, did not offer to reduce his six-figure salary to share the burden." Mr. Barell replied that he did not know the amount that Bishop Robinson is paid, and referred me to the bishop's assistant, Paula Bibber.

Ms. Bibber consulted the annual diocesan report and explained: "Bishop Robinson is paid a total of $111,310.56, but 40,000 of that is for housing."

Bishop Robinson shares that housing with his homosexual lover, with whom he recently arranged what he contended is holy matrimony.

Should not this sodomist spouse equally share the annual cost of their $40,000 quarters?

If he would, then Bishop Robinson, would have only $20,000 a year in housing costs plus $71,310 in salary - plus all of those lecture fees and television appearance fees in the U.S. and overseas.

With all that added income, couldn't this bishop give at least $30,000 from his $71,000 salary to keep one or more clergy and lay assistants from the ordeal of unemployment?

The Gospel according to St. John provides some guidance from Jesus Christ in this question:

"I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth."

This is mentioned in view of Bishop Robinson's own statement in which he asked:

"If ever you think there is something I need to hear, or there is some way I can better share your burdens, please let me know."

END