The new Spirit of openness is a way forward

The ordination of Bishop Gene Robinson took place earlier today in Durham, New Hampshire. The Revd Richard Kirker, General Secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement (UK) was among the thousands that attended the ceremony. Speaking after the ceremony Mr Kirker said:

"It was a moving service, one I felt privileged to attend. Bishop Gene Robinson has begun his Episcopal ministry and we shall hold him, and the people of New Hampshire in our prayers.

"There have always been gay people called to be bishops in the Church, some have become leaders of their communions. Lesbian and gay people will continue to work in all ministries of the Christian Church, bringing the Good News of Jesus to people in every nation throughout the world.

"We believe that the spirit of honesty and openness is a way forward for all God's people. We may disagree but Anglicanism is resilient, it has a Spirit of inclusivity that will not be destroyed and we hope that all will work to build the Kingdom of God together.

"Our love in Christ for each other is a communion that cannot be broken. We must all resist the pressures to exclude, rather build a community of faith where the diversity of God's creation can be celebrated by all."

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