Gene Robinson is one of the Anglican Church's most controversial bishops. Five years ago, the ordination of the self-confessed homosexual as bishop of New Hampshire triggered protests around the world. Because of the dispute over the ordination of homosexuals and women as bishops within the Anglican world communion, the Lambeth Conference, currently meeting in Canterbury, is under the threat of a schism in the church. Robinson spoke with Catholic News Agency (KNA) about his church, ecumenism and why he came to Canterbury without an invitation.
CBA: Bishop Robinson, you were not invited to the Lambeth Conference, but you are still there and participating in the unofficial program. Don't pour fuel on the fire with this unnecessarily?
Robinson: I am here because, like everyone else, I want to give a testimony of my faith. I hope that some bishops will realize that we live by the same faith. In it lies our deep unity. But I am also here because I don't see why bishops from all over the world should meet without someone reminding them that there are homosexuals in the pews of their churches as well. I want to show that we are not going away. Homosexuals are part of the church. But I'm not organizing a protest program and I'm not going anywhere where I'm not welcome.
CBA: A Sudanese archbishop has called for your resignation. Have you ever considered this step for the sake of the unity of the Church?
Robinson: Every time a fellow bishop publicly calls for my resignation, I think about it. But so far I don't have the feeling that God wants it too. Moreover, I am not the first homosexual bishop in history. No one believes that I am currently the only gay bishop visiting Canterbury. I'm just being honest about this. It's not about homosexuality, it's about being honest or not.
CBA: What does the episcopate mean to you??
Robinson: It is a great challenge for me. I have struggled with the Church all my life and now, as a bishop, have a ministry that is there to protect the institution. I believe in the Church; even with all its transgressions. It is one of the most noble ways in which God is active in the world. I never wanted to give up the church, however badly it treated me. I feel responsible for the people of my diocese. I think it is a pity that not only I as an individual, but thus my whole diocese was excluded from the valuable experience of this unique meeting of bishops.
CBA: What speaks theologically for or against the consecration of a homosexual as a bishop?? Are there arguments from the Bible?
Robinson: The Bible does not give us answers on this ie today. The seven biblical passages that refer to homosexual practices do not mean what I advocate: faithful, lifelong partnerships between people of one sex. But Jesus Christ was always on the side of those who were marginalized. I believe that today he would also fight for our cause.
CBA: Roman Catholic Church and Orthodox churches reject ordination of practicing homosexuals. Are you endangering the future of ecumenism with your position??
Robinson: Again and again I read in the media that the Catholic Church and we Anglicans would be on the verge of unity – if only it weren't for me. The argument is a fig leaf. Isn't it true that the pope is also conditionally accepting the ordination of Archbishop Rowan Williams? And what about the ordination of women as priests, which we have been practicing for years now? I can't imagine Anglicans and Catholics coming to communion anytime soon.