''On January 5, 2013, I will retire as your Bishop.... The fact is, the last seven years have taken their toll on me, my family, and YOU. Death threats, and the now-worldwide controversy surrounding your election of me as Bishop, have been a constant strain, not just on me, but on my beloved husband, Mark, who has faithfully stood with me every minute of the last seven years, and in some ways, YOU....''
Gene Robinson, 65, who became the first openly gay Bishop chosen by the Episcopal Church. That decision set off a world-wide cotroversy inside the larger Anglican Communion. Some churches split with the Episcopal Church and sought more conservative leadership -- some even turning to vehemently anti-gay African church leaders. In this much longer statement, Robinson says he is steppling down, but will remain active. (Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire)
