Product Description

In 2003, Gene Robinson was elected as the Bishop of New Hampshire - the first openly gay man to be called to serve in such a position. Clearly beloved in his diocese and chosen from a wide selection of candidates, the election was entirely proper and the result clear cut, yet it sparked a hurricane storm of controversy that has polarised religious opinion on five continents and still rages five years on. Here, Gene Robinson reflects on his journey of faith, his life experiences, the concerns that matter most to him as a bishop and the controversy that has rocked the church he loves and to which he is committed.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #45494 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-28
• Original language: German
• Binding: Paperback
• 172 pages

Review
'Gene Robinson is the most controversial Christian in the world, yet if you did not know one thing about him - his sexuality - you would think him no different from thousands of other ministers, priests, pastors, or indeed bishops and archbishops. And he's not - merely more open and candid than they dare to be. Whether you agree with Bishop Robinson or not, his beliefs are important for all to know. In this book he shows there is much more about him and his faith than the single issue of sexual orientation.'Stephen Bates, religious affairs correspondent for the Guardian, 2000-2007 and British religious writer of the year in 2005 and 2006. 'This is Gene Robinson's own story, told with simplicity and humility and revealing his passionate faith. He recounts how his experience has made him particularly close to vulnerable groups, such as the inmates of a women's prison, and how we all need one another for our very salvation. This honest account will encourage anyone seriously committed to the message of Jesus , and shows him deeply committed within the Anglican Communion even to those who vilify him.' Richard Harries (Lord Harries of Pentregarth), former Bishop of Oxford and Hon Professor of Theology, King's College, London'Gene Robinson is no revolutionary: he upholds marriage as a sacred covenant, but knows the same covenant theology can include same-sex partnerships too. For living this truth he has been scapegoated - not for being the first gay bishop, but the first honest one. By God's grace he has stayed strong, still trying to love his enemies into friends. One day the Church will understand what it owes him.' Very Reverend Dr Jeffrey John

About the Author
GENE ROBINSON has been the Bishop of New Hampshire in New England since 2003 and has scarcely been out of the news media in that time. His episcopate - and his entire ministry - have been marked by service of the poor and the marginalized, and a devotion to prison ministry.

Customer Reviews

Sobering memoir
Gene Robinson is known worldwide for one thing - his sexuality - and this book seeks to show that his ministry is rather more than just being part of the storm over gay priests in the Anglican church. The book is a series of reflections on different aspects of ministry, not offered in any particularly logical order but growing out of his experiences as a priest and then bishop over three decades. It's not an autobiography and there are many parts of his life alluded to but not really explained; instead he uses the pages to show how people's attitudes towards gay and lesbian people can be similar to those towards women, non-whites and disabled people, and how difficult it is to know, if we are part of a majority group, what it's like to be in the minority and how hard it can be to be treated fairly.

What's remarkable about the book is the way in which Gene Robinson does not come across as bitter against his many detractors; he sees his ministry as the most important and overriding thing, such as in the local women's prison where he is a regular visitor. The final chapter, discussing the forthcoming Lambeth concert in 2008, is a plea for those in the church to genuinely listen to lesbian and gay members but is a plea that appears to have fallen on deaf ears. This is a sobering and at times moving book which doesn't really seek to discuss the issue of homosexuality and the Bible per se, but more looks at congregations in the church, Jesus's words that all are welcome, the difficulties for homosexual people within the church and the need for genuine discussion about the issues.

Inspirational, a highly recommended read for all
I have just finished reading 'In The Eye Of The Storm' by Gene Robinson, (who was elected as the first openly gay man to be called by a Diocese to be the Bishop of New Hampshire in 2003)

WOW ... talk about inspirational!!!! I knew it was going to be a great book by the number of comments of praise there are at the beginning including comments from several Rectors, Deans, Bishops, Directors from several organisations and the Forword by Desmond Tutu, who said ...

"May I wholly inadequately apologise to my sisters and brothers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered for the cruelty and injustice that you have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of us, your fellow Anglicans; I am sorry. Forgive us for all the pain we have caused you and which we continue to indflict on you"

Desmond goes on to say "Gene Robinson is a wonderful human being" ............ I totally agree and after reading this book, I can see and appreciate what a humble man he is. He is so down to earth, full of compassion and empathy, and can teach us all about loving our enemies.

There are several passages that spoke to me

pg 83
The debate about whose sexuality is acceptable may be just a way to avoid talking about minstering in the way jesus did. If we keep talking about what people do in bed, or who ought to get married, or which celebrity is in rehab and why, we don't have to talk about ourselves and the things that really mayter in our culture and our society - racism and homophobia, injstice and war

pg99
It's not because gay and lesbian people are any different than others who have demanded equality, but because for religious bodies, and for the culture, the full equality of gays and lesbians strikes at the very heart of the patriarchy and misogyny that's been the way of the world for so long

pg 127
If we leave Church [on every Sunday etc] and don't do anything any differently, then church is nothing but a religious theme park

In his book, he shares his views, his knowledge, his experiences, his love and shows great compassion to those who object to him being elected and still try to silence him.

I highly recommend this book to all, Christians and non-Christians, Believers and non-believers, Gay and straight, I feel it has a message for all.

Read this book
Measured, intelligent, inspiring, and very moving. Experience Gene Robinson in his own words and actions - not through the media, or the opinion of others. Compulsory reading for all who care about love, justice, and the coming of the kingdom!