Bishop Eugene Robinson of New Hampshire.

Disclaimer: I am a non-practicing Episcopalian. It’s still sad to see this happening within the church. Because the man chose to live his life openly as a partnered gay man and wants to lead, the wingnuts within the church want someone to be punished for his elevation to bishop. (365Gay.com):

The leaders of the Episcopal Church, the American branch of the worldwide Anglican faith, went into closed door meetings in Salt Lake City Wednesday over demands that the Church “apologize” for the election of a gay bishop.

Conservatives and moderates within the Church have been at odds since the election of Eugene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003. Some American diocese have withheld their contributions to the Church, while semi-autonomous Churches in Africa and Asia have threatened a schism.

In October, a blue ribbon commission set up by the world leader of the Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury, called on the Episcopal Church to “apologize” for Robinson’s election.

The report, prepared by Irish primate Robin Eames invited the Episcopal Church “to express its regret that the proper constraints of the bonds of affection were breached” in Robinson’s election. Until there is an apology, the report says, those who took part in consecrating Robinson — which would include Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold — should consider whether to withdraw themselves from functions of the Anglican Communion.

In an earlier story on this, the acrimony and bigotry during Robinson’s selection was no holds barred. It even included an appearance by our friend Fred Phelps…

The Rev. Earl Fox of the Diocese of Pittsburgh then stood and delivered a description of gay sex so graphic that many in the congregation of 4,000 were visibly uncomfortable. Griswold finally told him to “get to the point.” Fox said the “health consequences” of homosexuality were “devastating”. He then stormed from the building.

Outside, more than 200 representatives of LGBT groups and gay Episcopalians rallied in support of Robinson’s elevation. But, a short distance away, separated by police on horseback were a handful of demonstrators from the Fred Phelps clan, carrying “God Hates Fags” placards.

“I have a problem with any church calling a homosexual its leader when he is an unrepentant homosexual,” said Joshua Phelps-Roper.