Robinson fails major test as a bishop
From The Church of England Newspaper:
Bishop Gene Robinson failed the first major test of his episcopacy this past week after all but three members of a New Hampshire congregation voted to secede from the diocese rather than accept his authority as Bishop.
“We offered [the parish] 95 per cent of what they were seeking,” Bishop Robinson said. “They chose not to accept any offer, would not grant the final five percent of authority that allows the tiniest thread of relationship with their bishop.”
Redeemer’s Senior Warden Jerry DeLemus stated the parish “remained united in principle and action last night” and was “true to the authority of Holy Scripture and the Lordship of Jesus Christ.”
The Rochester parish has been a sore spot in Bishop Robinson’s campaign to win over opponents in New Hampshire. The parish vicar, the Rev Donald Wilson, an opponent of his election, was dismissed for contumacy in November. Over the past six months, the congregation witnessed public confrontations between diocesan officials and traditionalists and an exodus of parishioners to other denominations and Episcopal parishes.