Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson Talks Marriage in Maine

 New Hampshire-based gay Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson arrived in Maine yesterday as a supporter of 'No on 1' to talk about marriage as election day approaches.

He gave an interview to the Fox affiliate in Portland and spoke at an event for the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry in Maine, a group made up of 18 denominations and groups and over 200 clergy who support same-sex marriage.

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

In related Maine marriage news, the state's Attorney General released a statement yesterday in response to a request from Education Commissioner Susan Gendron after claims by anti-gay groups that the state's marriage equality laws would somehow affect teaching in schools.

Said AG Janet Mills: "Whatever the benefits and burdens of the civil institution of marriage, the state’s definition of marriage has no bearing on the curricula in our public schools, either under the current law or under LD 1020."

Help Protect Maine Equality HERE.

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Bishop Gene Robinson will be appearing tonight at an event in Portland, Maine: "Join us for an evening of edification and education as we gather to worship God and to hear the words of the Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire. Sponsored by the Religious Coalition Against Discrimination, the Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry in Maine, Rev. Ann Fowler, the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, the Equity Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, and Integrity Maine"

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Bishop Gene Robinson speaks about the Episcopal church's recent moves toward accepting gays and lesbians.

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Groups assembling war chests for election marriage battle in Maine.

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Episcopal Bishops Vote to End Moratorium on Gay Clergy

Bishops at the convention of the Episcopal Church voted Monday to open “any ordained ministry” to gay and lesbian clergy, the NY Times reports:

"The resolution passed on Monday was written in a way that would allow dioceses to consider gay candidates to the episcopacy, but does not mandate that all dioceses do so. A similar measure was passed on Sunday by the church’s other legislative body, the House of Deputies, which is made up of lay people and clergy. On Tuesday, the bishops’ version will likely go back to the House of Deputies for reconsideration."

The BBC adds: "The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams - who is head of the 70-million-strong worldwide Anglican Communion - said it "remained to be seen" whether the vote by the House of Deputies - made up of clergy and lay people - would be endorsed by the US Episcopal House of Bishops. 'I regret the fact that there is no will to observe the moratorium in such a significant part of the church in North America,' he added."

Said Integrity USA President Rev. Susan Russell: “There is no question that today’s vote in the House of Bishops was an historic move forward and a great day for all who support the full inclusion of all the baptized in the Body of Christ.”

Bishop: Religious Right Responsible for 95% of LGBT Oppression

Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson is among hundreds of clergy members on Capitol Hill today urging lawmakers to support an expanded hate crimes bill that would include sexual orientation, and other gay rights measures:

"It is the second time the lobbying effort known as Clergy Call has been held on Capitol Hill; the first event was held two years ago. 'They're not here to grind political axes," said Harry Knox of the Human Rights Campaign, which is sponsoring the event. "They're here out of a pastoral concern for real people in their congregations who have to deal with the ramifications of hate violence and employment discrimination.'...Bishop Robinson, who delivered the invocation during a kickoff concert at the Lincoln Memorial for President Obama's inauguration, said that despite recent momentum, an uphill struggle continues for gay rights supporters in the religious community. He said that's because their message is often overshadowed by many on the religious right. 'Religion in general still presents the greatest obstacles we face in full equality,' he said Monday during a speech at Calvary Baptist Church in downtown Washington. 'Ninety-five percent of the oppression that we know in our lives comes from the religious community.'"

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