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Bishop Gene Robinson Endorses Obama

by: Dean Barker

Thu Aug 02, 2007 at 11:49:02 AM EDT
Now that's a coup, and interestingly timed after Norelli's Clinton endorsement.  New Hampshire based, but nationally known, openly gay, progressive and religious leader Gene Robinson has endorsed Barack Obama. A very interesting catch indeed.  From the press release:

"As my work shows me every day, leadership means bringing people together and inspiring them to live out their values," Bishop Robinson said.  "Barack Obama sees beyond the partisanship and hopelessness that have dominated in recent years, and the movement he's building is bringing vital new energy and optimism into our democratic process. I'm excited to work with Barack to bridge the old divides and make this country one again."

Bishop Robinson was the first openly gay man elected bishop of a major American Christian denomination, and has never before publicly endorsed a candidate for office.

A resident of Weare, New Hampshire, Robinson is known for his innovative approach to ministry and his work in clerical leadership development and conflict resolution.  He is deeply committed to service, working in Africa to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, and leading programs here in New Hampshire to increase access to health care and promote the development of affordable housing.

I have a fundamental disagreement with the "seeing beyond the partisanship" theme that Obama has pushed, but I am equally impressed with his string of NH endorsements so far that speak right to me: the Hirshbergs, the Duncans, Congressman Hodes, and now the Bishop. Senator Obama is literally surrounding me with people I really like.
Dean Barker :: Bishop Gene Robinson Endorses Obama
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Bishop Gene Robinson Endorses Obama | 8 comments
I'm debating with myself (0.00 / 0)
over whether I consider this appropriate.

I'm a lapsed Catholic, and I would be bothered by Bishop McCormick or Cardinal O'Malley publicly endorsed a political candidate. Is that unreasonable of me? If not, why is this different?

The Power of the Pulpit.... (4.00 / 3)
should not be exploited and the good Bishop has stated exactly this:

"I will not be speaking about the campaign from the pulpit or at any church function," he said. "That is completely inappropriate. But as a private citizen, I will be at campaign events and help in any way that I can."



SGS is Jack Mitchell of Lowell, MA. The symbolism of the "sleeping giant" is based on my HOPE for America.

[ Parent ]
It's also illegal to do so, isn't it? (0.00 / 0)
I know there was some controversy in 2004 over evangelical Christian churches getting out the vote for Bush Cheney in violation of IRS rules, or somesuch.

As to the appropriateness, that's a fair question, but this agnostic isn't bothered by it.

birch, finch, beech

[ Parent ]
Don't think so (0.00 / 0)
He's positioning it as his personal endorsement, not the church's endorsement. As long as he keeps it out of the church and doesn't get church members involved, I think he's OK.

A gray area though.

And re: "getting beyond the partisanship," that's a funny one. In a way you have to say it, because lord knows (no pun intended) we all hate "politics." We know partisanship is necessary, but the public likes to hear we're going to work together. Need I add that the Democratic Party reaches across the aisle far better than the GOP does? But we can't say that, can we, it would be partisan.


[ Parent ]
Oh, the endorsement isn't a legal problem (0.00 / 0)
Even use of church facilities wouldn't be illegal, but it would make the church ineligible for charitable tax status.

After all, Father Drinan ran for and served in Congress; Pat Robertson ran for President.

[ Parent ]
Same principle, though, I think (0.00 / 0)
They were operating as individuals, not as officials of their churches (in Robertson's case, the hypocrisy gets pretty thick).

[ Parent ]
Father Drinan (0.00 / 0)
He was forced to retire from Congress after Pope John Paul II forbade priests from serving in elected office.  Of course, the conflict there was theological, not legal.

The 501(c)(3) statute re: tax exemptions has a lot of gray areas.  In most cases, the courts have ruled in favor of religious institutions, believing that any benefit of the doubt should favor religious freedom. . . . Personally, I'd like to see Pat Robertson get his, though.

[ Parent ]
Interesting TIming (0.00 / 0)
given the HRC / LOGO debate on GLBT issues a week from tonight.
Bishop Gene Robinson Endorses Obama | 8 comments

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