04/30/2008
Gene Robinson Believes 'God Disappointed' with Anglican Archbishop
In an interview to be broadcast on the BBC news program Hardtalk, gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson criticizes Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, for failing to confront anti-gay critics in the church, specifically, Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola, whose stance against homosexuality has been seen as a major cause of the rift within the church.
"I believe [Dr Williams'] unwillingness to confront Peter Akinola and others like him who've made statements that I think any reasonable person would find over the edge - I believe God is very disappointed in that."
Akinola is seen as a force in perpetuating violence against gays and lesbians. Robinson, who plans to attend events around this summer's Lambeth Conference even though he was not invited, has been speaking out about death threats against him and tells the BBC that he sometimes wears a bulletproof vest at public appearances.
Sphere: Related ContentPosted 3:55 PM EST by Andy in Anglican church, Episcopal Church, Gene Robinson, News, Nigeria | Permalink
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The arrogance of men who assume the authority to speak for god.
But I suppose thats the nature of religion.
Posted by: Wes | Apr 30, 2008 4:07:29 PM
Bishop Robinson is a hero -- like any hero, he's literally risking his life on the front lines of this worldwide battle to stop homophobia cloaked in the name of religion.
For the record, this headline is misleading. Unlike other religious "nuts" who seem to quote God directly, Bishop Robinson simply said, "I BELIEVE that God is disappointed" [in the failure of our leaders to confront the hate mongering Akinola].
I couldn't agree with Robinson more. We should all be thankful for his leadership, courage, and strength. He's the real deal.
Posted by: joe | Apr 30, 2008 5:09:19 PM
Fuck that. No one knows the will of God, even if you believe that he exists in the first place. To claim that God is "disappointed" in someone is just as ridiculous coming out of his mouth as, say, out of Pat Robertson's. I thought that Robinson was a bit smarter than all that.
Posted by: Lia | May 1, 2008 12:33:03 AM
Kudos to Andy for changing headline to accurately describe the story. (It used to read, "Robinson SAYS..."
Lia, of course no one "knows" the will of God; you're right on that point. However, people within certain faith traditions do expect their religious leaders to offer opinions on what their understanding and beliefs are. You're free to disagree of course. That doesn't make him a nut.
My point is that Robinson is a smart guy whose telling religious bigots, "The loving God I read about in the Scriptures affirms and loves all GBLT people, and I believe God is disappointed when other leaders are allowed to continue in their bigotry."
Offering a theological opinion is NOT the same thing as saying a la Westboro Baptist, "God hates fags." Robinson is offering dialogue to those who disagree with him; the religious nuts who oppose him offer diatribes and refuse to talk to him at all (like children).
That's why Robinson's a hero. To hear more about Robinson, check out his interview with Terri Gross on NPR's Fresh Air on April 15. npr.org
Posted by: Joe | May 1, 2008 2:15:52 PM
As humans we are capable of great things. Why must we believe in god to face problems and find inspiration, do we not believe in ourselves enough to lead noble and honorable lives?
Secular humanism is the next wave.
Posted by: Ty Jones | May 1, 2008 9:13:32 PM