The Rev. James H. Pritchett, Jr. rector - August 6, 2003

Well, the Church has confirmed the election of our first openly gay bishop, and we have certainly been in the news a lot lately! I firmly believe that those who prophesy doom for the Church will be wrong, but I am also aware that this issue is painful and divisive for many faithful Episcopalians. I have made my position clear on several occasions that I believe that God created people with different orientations and that the Church should not disqualify anyone from anything based on orientation alone. (Behavior, however, is another matter. I believe that all Christians should be held to the same standards of fidelity, integrity, faithfulness, and sacrifice).

During this time of change, I want to reiterate that I am aware that Christians of good faith hold differing opinions regarding these issues, and parishioners at St. John’s are welcome to disagree with me and with the action of the Church. (In fact, until now, I have disagreed with the Church’s official position for decades, yet I have continued to serve and Charlotte and I have continued to tithe.) Fortunately (very fortunately!), history has shown time and time again that we can worship and work for the kingdom without agreeing on all issues. During this time of consternation for some and celebration for others, let us be gentle with one another and mindful of our baptismal obligation to "respect the dignity of every human being."

I would like to address the allegations made against the Rev. Canon Robinson. Allegations of "improper touching" and involvement with a web site that featured a link to pornography were made at the last moment. The mainstream press reported that Robinson had been "exonerated," but often did not provide details. Because such allegations can leave an unfair "stink" even after one is exonerated, I thought you deserved to know the particulars.

The Presiding Bishop asked Bishop Scruton (of the diocese of Western Massachusetts) to investigate the allegations. Bishop Scruton (and others) spoke with the man who made the allegations and investigated the web site complaint. The following is from Bishop Scruton’s report to the House of Bishops:

I asked the individual to tell the story of his experience that caused him to raise his concerns. According to the individual, the events took place at a Province I convocation in November of 1999 . . . . There were two exchanges between the individual and Canon Robinson at the convocation.

In the first, the individual was seated at the beginning of a plenary session. As Canon Robinson was passing by him, the individual asked Canon Robinson a question about the order of events or the schedule or convocation procedure, or something of that nature. Canon Robinson put his left hand on the individual's arm, and his right hand on the individual's upper back as he listened to his questions and answered them. This incident was in public view and was brief. The individual said Canon Robinson answered his questions and spoke no inappropriate words. The second incident occurred later in the convocation, while the two were standing in proximity. During a light moment in the convocation, the individual turned to Canon Robinson to make a comment. In response, Canon Robinson touched the individual's forearm and back while responding with his own comment.

The individual then described to me the feelings he had during these two exchanges. He said that in his opinion, Canon Robinson's placement of his hands seemed inappropriate to him, given that they did not know each other, and presumed a far greater familiarity or intimacy than was the case. The individual said these incidents made him feel uncomfortable. He said he has never said anything to anyone about this, but did mention it to his wife but not at the time. He acknowledged that other people could have seen the exchange as natural and normal.

* * *

The second focus of my investigation involved concerns about a pornographic web site. . . . The website in question could be reached through a link from the Concord, New Hampshire Chapter of an organization known as Outright. . . . What appears to be beyond dispute is that Canon Robinson helped to found Concord Outright in 1995. Investigation shows that the organization was founded to provide support and counseling for young people concerned about their sexuality. Canon Robinson's role in the Concord Chapter of Outright was primarily to provide training to insure that appropriate boundaries were observed for the protection of both young people and those working with them.

Canon Robinson ended his involvement in Outright in 1998 and has not been associated with Outright since that time. The web site was established in 2002. Canon Robinson was not aware that the organization has a website until this Convention. The response of Outright emphasized to me that Canon Robinson has had no part in the creation of the website.

I see no evidence that Canon Robinson was aware of or associated with the website or its contents.

Conclusion:

In both allegations, it is my conclusion that there is no necessity to pursue further investigation and no reason on these grounds to prevent the Bishops with jurisdiction from going forward with their voting about whether or not to consent to Canon Robinson's Consecration.

In the book of Isaiah, God responds to Israel’s utter defeat and exile by proclaiming, "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isa. 43: 18-19). My prayer is that this important event represents God "doing a new thing" in the Church. However you view these developments, I ask that you pray for the Church and for your brothers and sisters in Christ.

As Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold said in response to the vote to confirm Canon Robinson: "So is our challenge, to take up the difficult and holy work of living with differences." May God bless us so that we may face that challenge with courage, hope, and confidence that the power of God, "working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine." (Ephesians 3: 20.)

A Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions of Men (BCP p. 814)

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