V. Gene Robinson

1. Gene Robinson is a religious leader recognized as the first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion and the first openly gay priest to be consecrated a bishop in a major Christian denomination. Prior to his election, Robinson served as Canon to the Ordinary—assistant to the bishop—for nearly 18 years in the Diocese of New Hampshire. During this period, Robinson focused on clergy wellness, conflict resolution, congregational mediation, and advocacy for AIDS education, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Robinson earned a Master of Divinity degree from General Theological Seminary of New York and was ordained in the same year, beginning a ministry centered on inclusion and pastoral care.

Robinson's election as the ninth Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire drew significant attention within the Episcopal Church and the global Anglican Communion. His consecration prompted debate among conservative groups, particularly Anglican leaders in Africa and other regions, who viewed his elevation as a challenge to traditional doctrine. Despite facing opposition, including death threats that led to FBI protection and the use of a bulletproof vest at his consecration, Robinson continued his work. He was excluded from official meetings of the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Communion bishops but attended as an observer, contributing to ongoing discussions about LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious life. Robinson's story is featured in the documentary film "For the Bible Tells Me So" and in the Sundance Award-winning documentary "Love Free or Die," both of which explore his impact on church and society.

Robinson has authored several works, including the memoir "In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God," which reflects on the controversy surrounding his ordination. He also wrote "God Believes in Love: Straight Talk About Gay Marriage," a book presenting a faith-based argument for same-sex marriage. Robinson has co-authored three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults, demonstrating his commitment to public health advocacy in the United States and internationally.

Robinson's influence extends beyond the church. He delivered the invocation at the opening inaugural ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial at the invitation of President Barack Obama, highlighting his role as a national voice on moral and social issues. Robinson has been recognized by organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, and GLAAD. He was named The Advocate's Person of the Year and included among Out magazine's most influential LGBTQ+ Americans. After retiring as bishop, Robinson served as a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and as vice president of religion and senior pastor at Chautauqua Institution, continuing to address issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion, race, poverty, and immigration reform. Robinson's legacy is reflected in the ongoing transformation of religious communities toward greater inclusion and in the election of openly gay and lesbian bishops in The Episcopal Church.