A House Divided

Will the Episcopal Church find a way to survive the controversial election of its first openly gay bishop?

For many of his 28 years as an Episcopal priest in New Hampshire, V. Gene Robinson has specialized in helping congregations and clergy grapple with painful conflicts. So perhaps it was divine destiny that Robinson would become the focus of the biggest and most painful conflict to afflict the Episcopal Church in decades--one that threatens the very integrity of the 2.3 million--member U.S. denomination and the 70 million--member worldwide Anglican Communion to which it belongs. Robinson seems to see his role in terms of a divine plan: 17 years ago, "I answered God's call to acknowledge myself as a gay man,"...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!