The Change Mariner

Installment of first gay bishop to draw supporters, foes

USA Today

The warring camps of the Episcopal Church USA face off in Durham, N.H., on Sunday, over the installation of the church's first openly gay bishop — a move some say will fracture the church in America and jeopardize the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Rev. V. Gene Robinson, 56, a divorced dad who has lived with his male partner for 14 years, will be consecrated bishop in this diocese at services in the University of New Hampshire's ice hockey arena. It's the only place large enough for 4,000 clergy, local supporters, gay Episcopal leaders, international media and protesters. Consecrating a bishop is like a wedding ceremony with a built-in moment when anyone who objects is invited to speak.

Three miles away, conservative Episcopalians from across the nation will hold an alternative prayer service at the 500-seat Durham Evangelical Church, the nearest, biggest sanctuary they could borrow.

They'll hear preachers and leaders of the American Anglican Council, who say Robinson's consecration breaks with Anglican doctrine. The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of Anglicanism.