At its annual assembly last week, the leaders of the Episcopal Church USA confirmed the election of Gene Robinson -- an open homosexual who has lived with his "partner" for 13 years -- as bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire. The 62-45 vote by the church's House of Bishops followed an earlier affirmative vote by the House of Delegates. [See Earlier Story]

Critics of the decision by the Episcopal leaders say the American element of the Anglican Communion has turned its back on the clear teaching of the Bible regarding homosexuality as sinful. But Robinson has been quoted as saying he believes those who say homosexual sex violates scripture will "come to know that they are wrong, in this life or the next one."

Rev. Steven Randall pastors St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Catonsville, Maryland. On the first Sunday following Robinson's confirmation as bishop, he denounced the decision from the pulpit and announced he would no longer obey his bishop. Randall says he expected the liberal leaders in his denomination to do what he considers an unrighteous act.

"I was absolutely not shocked because I knew what was going to happen -- I was certain it was going to happen," he says. "And I'm very saddened and disappointed."

Randall did more than voice his opinion on Sunday -- he took a stand. "I can no longer personally, as a priest, submit to the doctrine and the discipline of the Episcopal Church," he says, "and that means I will not be able to allow myself to be under the direct authority not only of an ungodly church but really a bishop who has shown that he will not follow scriptures."

According to Randall, leaders in many denominations are turning their backs on God's Word and the truths found in it.

"I really believe the evil one is out there blinding a lot of church leaders, and some have just totally sold out -- and there's just a lot of pressure by society around us and in the newspapers to conform," he says. "But I also believe that in a genuine desire to love people regardless of their lifestyle, sometimes people go over the line."

The pastor also said he will no longer direct his church to continue to fund the denomination. Randall's congregation responded to his action with a rousing standing ovation. The priest says he expects the Episcopal denomination to continue to deteriorate.

Concerned Neighbor
A Christian legislator says she is deeply disturbed by the news that Gene Robinson, the recently appointed homosexual Episcopal bishop, started a homosexual advocacy organization for young people.

During his confirmation process, it was noted that Robinson, who will lead the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, is the founder of a Concord chapter of "Outright" -- a support group for "gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning" youth. Questions regarding Robinson's involvement with the group delayed by one day the vote on his appointment.

Nancy Sheltra, a Republican legislator in neighboring Vermont, says the Outright chapter in her state promotes a lifestyle that is very dangerous to young people. She says the organization brings together minors who plan group get-togethers, and supplies them with "condoms and other devices" that are used in the homosexual lifestyle.

According to the legislator, Outright Vermont promotes a lifestyle that is "very detrimental and dangerous to young people."

And as for Robinson's involvement? "This man obviously has an agenda," Sheltra says, "and it's very obvious if he has helped start Outright, it's an agenda which is not an agenda that parents of young people are going to support."

Sheltra adds that by appointing Robinson as a bishop, the Episcopal Church has made a decision that does not line up with the laws of God.

Still Can't Decide
Meanwhile, leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America say it "takes some time" to decide whether homosexual sex should bar people from becoming ministers. The ELCA, which is holding its national assembly in Milwaukee this week, is in the middle of a four-year study of homosexuality.

At a forum on the study yesterday, one Lutheran asked if the committee has considered that the homosexual act is a sin. The minister directing the study responded, "That is one of the key questions people need to grapple with."

The ELCA shares sacraments and clergy under a full communion pact with the Episcopal Church.

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