Diocese of New Hampshire Reports Staff Reductions; Parishes Suffer Losses

This is similar to the cuts made in the diocesan staff in the DCNY. Apparently nonChristian inclusivity does not grow churches or dioceses. Duh. ed.


Homosexuals Fail to Fill Episcopal Parish Pews

News Analysis

By David W. Virtue
www.virturonline.org
2/3/2009

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."

Robinson, a hero to the American homosexual sub-culture and whose "prayer" to "our god of many understandings" at President Obama's Inauguration made him something of a cult figure, likened the down-sizing and loss to a God who did not let the Israelites starve in the wilderness, but rather provided them manna for the journey. However, he held out little hope that they would get their jobs back and urged those being laid off "to act as a people of faith, as a people who trust and expect that God will care for them even in the very worldly struggle of economic hardship."

"These difficult times provide us with a chance to plumb the depths of our faith. They invite all of us to pray more intentionally, to discern more carefully, and to love one another more grace-fully. I do not believe in magical thinking-we cannot sit back and expect that God will miraculously and instantly make things all okay."

Robinson said he has heard reports of "parishioners making second and third pledges to narrow their congregations' budget deficits, of individuals offering to assume additional responsibilities in churches where funding does not allow for administrative or custodial support, and of whole congregations where stewardship has never been more thoughtful nor more generous."

"So, my dear brothers and sisters, I want you to know, I get it; I hear you; I'm in it right there with you. And 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." Robinson, however, did not offer to reduce his six figure salary to "share the burden."

END