Rev. Gene Robinson, America’s first openly gay Episcopal bishop, faced death threats and backlash after his consecration in 2003.
Robinson’s ex-wife, Isabella said, “Ten minutes after meeting him, I thought, That’s the man I’m going to marry.”
“So smart and clear and faithful. He was so articulate and fun, and he just preached from the heart,” she continued.
Isabella said, “I think that’s why there’s no bitterness now. What was happening was certainly traumatic, but in the long run it wasn’t damaging.”
“There was never a feeling of betrayal. If anything, Gene felt betrayed by this thing going on within him that we were both trying to understand,” she continued.
Despite wearing a bulletproof vest during the ceremony, he has become a bridge between the LGBT community and the Episcopal Church.
His journey includes two marriages, coming out to his daughters, and enduring hate mail and threats.
“And some women like women. I’ve learned that I’m one of those men who like men. And your mom and I have together decided that she deserves a chance to find someone who can love her in that special way. And I deserve the opportunity to find someone to love in my way,” said Robinson.
“It’s why I felt God called me out of the closet,” he shared.
“I didn’t want to be the ‘gay bishop,’ I wanted to be a good bishop. But I realized I wasn’t in control of that. The media was going to make me the gay bishop whether I liked it or not,” he continued.
“So, what I decided was, if I was gonna be the gay bishop, then I’d be the best damn gay bishop that I could ever be!” he exclaimed.
Bishop Glasspool predicts people will say, “That he was a prophet. That he was courageous.”
Bishop Brown said, “I think Bishop Robinson, actually given the history of our church, I think in 50 years there will be a date on our calendar that will have his name to it, which is to say that he will be recorded in the calendar of saints.”
Robinson’s impact has paved the way for other openly gay bishops, and he has been recognized for his courage and influence within the church.
Robison said, “I feel like the least saintly person ever. I know I’m not pure as the driven snow.”
“But in my life, I’m happy with what I’ve done with what God has put in front of me,” he added.
