St. Boniface Episcopal Church has secured the highly-sought after Rev. Gene Robinson as its speaker for its popular Boniface Center Series on Jan. 29. The first openly-gay bishop in the Episcopal Church has been mired in controversy since his election in 2003.
Robinson has been in wide demand since his election and has toured the country speaking at different events and churches. Fortunately for St. Boniface, it had a specific connection to the New Hampshire-based clergyman.
“Bishop Robinson’s visit has been in the works for several years, and we are grateful to the Rev. Wesley Wasdyke for making the connections to bring this about,” the church posted on its website. “Wes’ home diocese is New Hampshire and for many years he and Cindy have shared their lives with communities in Sarasota and Manchester, New Hampshire. This made it a natural for us to invite Bishop Robinson to be our speaker.”
The church initially invited to speak at the Sarasota church in 2007, but had been postponed for a number of reasons. The church posted that the four-year wait has created a “wonderful story of ecclesiastical politics, grace and reconciliation.”
Robinson is expected to speak about how to remain focused and centered in the midst of controversy, a practice with which the bishop is extremely familiar. When Robinson was nominated to become a bishop, conservatives and liberals argued whether he should be allowed to become a bishop because of his sexuality. Several conservative factions threatened a schism within both the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion—and followed through on those threats when he was confirmed.
During his visit to Sarasota, Robinson will also talk about remaining committed to friends, family and faith while taking on the demanding stresses of a busy life.
St. Boniface will welcome Robinson with an invitation-only dinner on Saturday, Jan. 29. The bishop will speak Sunday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. and at 10:15 a.m.
The public can hear Robinson speak at the church on Sunday, Jan. 30, at 9 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. and at 5 p.m.
A luncheon scheduled at 12:30 p.m. requires a ticket to attend.
For more information on St. Boniface and Robinson’s appearances, visit BonifaceChurch.org.
