AAC Responds to the Election of the Episcopal Church's First Openly Homosexual Bishop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 7, 2003

CONTACT:  Bruce Mason

202-296-5360 202-296-5361 (fax)

bmason@americananglican.org

The American Anglican Council (AAC) is deeply saddened by the election today of the Rev. Gene Robinson, an openly homosexual man, as bishop coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. While the outcome of the election is not surprising to us, today is yet another unfortunate day for the Episcopal Church.  The election of Canon Robinson, who left his wife and children to pursue a homosexual relationship, is a clear illustration of the deep dysfunction in our "anything goes" Episcopal Church, and is a witness that is not consistent with the global Anglican Christian Church.  It shows us again just how far much of the Episcopal Church has moved out of the thriving mainstream of worldwide Anglicanism.  Now it is up to this summer's General Convention of the Episcopal Church to decide whether or not to endorse this election.  We would strongly urge Convention to act in accordance with scripture, tradition, reason and the mind of the Anglican Communion and withhold consent.

The American Anglican Council is a network of individuals, parishes, specialized ministries and Episcopal Bishops who affirm Biblical authority and Anglican orthodoxy within the Episcopal Church.  We are committed to proclaiming the Good News to every person and to working to reform and renew our Church.  For more information on the AAC, please visit http://www.americananglican.org.

Date: 6/7/2003