Simple Country Bishop™ Forced to March in Gay Pride Parade

from Stand Firm by Greg Griffith

All he wants is to lead a quiet life as bishop of a small diocese, but no - they keepdragging him into the limelight, this time to march in Santa Fe's Gay Pride Parade this past Saturday. Can't you people just leave Gene alone???

The assisting bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande asked Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire to reconsider his decision to participate in Santa Fe's Gay Pride Parade on June 26.

Robinson is the first openly gay, noncelibate priest to be ordained a bishop in the Episcopal Church.

In a telephone interview, Robinson said that he heard from the retired Rev. William C. Frey, the assisting bishop, as well as some members of the diocese, who cautioned him against appearing in the June 26 parade as the honorary grand marshal.

Robinson said that he and Frey are good colleagues and friends, but, "He comes from a more conservative place than I.

"He's of a mind, as many good people are, that participation in such a parade means that you condone and approve of every person that's in the parade — the way every person is dressed, the way every person acts. I understand that, but I'm there to proclaim God's love for all of God's children."

Robinson said he also heard from several people thanking him for agreeing to be in the parade.

The Rev. Dr. Richard Murphy, who is hosting Robinson at St. Bede's Episcopal Church (with HaMakom), said he disagrees with those who say church leaders should not participate in the parade. He and his wife, Carol, have marched in the parade in the past. "I've worn my clerical collar and will do so this year. It is a place where the church should be present. Jesus stood with those on the margins, those who are so often disenfranchised from society's mainstream. We are called to be imitators of Jesus," he said.

Yes, because Jesus often marched alongside men in buttless chaps.

What a proud moment for Bishop Frey and the Diocese of Rio Grande.