The Rev. Todd H. Wetzel on Gene Robinson-the most dangerous man in the Episcopal Church.

July 30, 2008
Canterbury, England

In 2000, I called the Rev. Canon Gene Robinson the most dangerous man in the Episcopal Church.

Before you jump to conclusions, let me say that I was very clear that it was not because I considered him a “bad” person. Quite the contrary, he was (and is) very articulate, a capable and well liked priest, intelligent, reasonably good looking, a skilled consultant who was (and is), by his own admission, non-celibate and a person of homosexual orientation. As a member of the diocesan staff, he was well known locally. I called him ‘dangerous’ because he was elect-able. And, if elected, and consecrated, chaos would emerge within the Episcopal Church and the Communion.

Americans elect their bishops from a slate of candidates. In most cases, the electing convention is made up of members of the parishes and convention officers of the diocese. Each parish selects a given number. Those elected to do the voting meet the candidates in what is called a “dog and pony show.” Often, most if not all candidates, will otherwise be unfamiliar to those doing the voting.

At some times before the election, the candidates are flown in and talk to the electing convention. People with strong views are usually dismissed by the laity who fear they will be “insensitive.” Academic, theologically informed individuals are dismissed as well because they are intimidating to both clergy and laity. More often than not, the candidate who bubbles to the surface is reasonably good looking, one who knows how to work the crowd and engage people in conversation. His or her credentials often involve serial parochial experiences never having been in any parish long enough (usually five or less years) to have been tested in serious leadership issues and styles before moving on to the next size larger parish. They tend to view conflict as unnatural and have, consequently, never gained the skills to work in and through conflict, a skill every bishop needs. the rest