Gay priest ‘dismayed’ by 11th hour allegations

A CLERGYMAN seeking to become the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church was “surprised and dismayed” by 11th-hour allegations questioning his reputation but remained calm as an investigation got under way, a spokesman said yesterday.

Just as bishops convened on Monday to consider approving the Reverend V Gene Robinson, allegations emerged that he inappropriately touched a man and that he is connected to a group whose website can indirectly link users to pornography.

Presiding Bishop Griswold said Rev Robinson, with current New Hampshire Bishop Douglas Theuner and representatives of his diocese, decided together “that a thorough investigation be undertaken before we proceed”.