Isle delegates
voted to approve
gay bishopSome international Episcopalians
want no ties to the U.S. church
The controversial election of an openly gay man as an Episcopal Church bishop had the backing of Hawaii delegates to the church's law-making session in Minneapolis.
Hawaii Episcopal Bishop Richard Chang, as well as four local priests and four lay people, voted to confirm the consecration of the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop coadjutor of the New Hampshire Diocese. Chang participated in the 62-45 House of Bishops confirmation vote Tuesday, following approval by a 2-to-1 margin in the 800-member House of Deputies on Sunday.
"I am well aware that my decision and vote will cause differing reactions within the Diocese of Hawaii," Chang said in a Tuesday letter to local Episcopal clergy and lay leaders.
Some branches of the 77 million-member global Anglican Communion have threatened to cut ties with the 2.3 million-member American church over the issue, which also led some dissenting delegates to walk out of the National Convention.
"It is my belief that the Gospel of Jesus invites all persons to faithful discipleship," said Chang in his letter addressed to his "brothers and sisters in Christ."
He wrote: "All persons through their baptisms are called to share in faithful ministry that proclaims the Good News of God in Christ.
"I do not believe that an individual's race, color, ethnic origin, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age should deny their access to ordination in this church.
"I voted giving consent for the consecration of Canon Robinson as bishop coadjutor of New Hampshire after prayerful consideration of all materials and information offered to me.
"It is my prayer that I will continue in dialogue with all members of the Diocese of Hawaii regardless of their feelings on this action. I am firmly committed to offer and exercise Episcopal ministry for all the members of our diocese even when we disagree."
The Hawaii delegates, elected at the state convention last year, included the Revs. Robert Fitzpatrick, Carol Arney, Morley Frech and Darrow Aiona, and lay deputies Arthur Kusumoto, James Putnam, Bettye Jo Harris and Cynthia Salley.
Chang wrote, "I believe that Canon Robinson has been faithful in his ministry within the Diocese of New Hampshire, in Province 1 and in the national church."
Robinson, a priest for 20 years and the divorced father of two children, has lived openly with his male partner for 13 years. He was elected by the New Hampshire church convention after a 20-month selection process. He is the first homosexual to be confirmed as an Episcopal bishop.
Chang wrote that he is convinced that the constitution and canons of the Episcopal Church were observed in every step of the process, including an investigation that dismissed last-minute allegations made this week at the Minneapolis convention.
