Gay man elected Episcopal bishop makes history in the US

FOR the first time in the United States, Episcopalians today elected an openly gay man as the next bishop in the state of New Hampshire.

The selection of the Rev V Gene Robinson, 56, who was chosen over three other candidates in voting by New Hampshire clergy and lay Episcopalians, is still subject to confirmation next month by the church’s national General Convention, and it is expected to be debated.

Bishops in the worldwide Anglican Communion, which includes the Episcopal Church in the United States, approved a resolution in 1998 calling gay sex “incompatible with Scripture”.