Gay Episcopal Bishop Advises UM Church to “Get into Trouble”

Jeff Walton
July 20, 2010

A United Methodist congregation should conduct same-sex marriages despite the possibility of negative consequences, according to Bishop Gene Robinson of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire.

“I’m here to tell you that when you speak about God’s limitless, boundless and unimaginable love, you will get into trouble: I promise you, I know this,” Robinson said to the congregation.

Robinson, the first openly gay partnered bishop in the Episcopal Church, delivered the message during a visit to Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. Robinson both gave a sermon at the invitation of Foundry’s Senior Pastor, Dean Snyder, as well as answered questions from church members during an informal session following the Sunday morning worship services. Robinson’s sermon was part of a month-long “outstanding preacher” series including United Methodist Bishops Woodie White, Hope Morgan Ward and John Schol.

Foundry, a large congregation that traces its roots back to 1814, sits on the prominent row of churches that line 16th Street northwest, leading to the White House. President Clinton and his family regularly attended services at Foundry during his presidency. the rest