The Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) has been making headlines over the past few months. Unfortunately, to the outsider it appears that ECUSA is preoccupied with sex and sex-related issues. All the good work of American Episcopalians — our worship, prayers, services, and the feeding and clothing of strangers — have been shoved aside by the secular media as it turns its focus on sex.

National and international media — both religious and secular — have focused on the steps to consecration of V. Gene Robinson, formerly the Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of New Hampshire and an openly-gay man living in a long-term same-sex relationship. From last spring’s election in that Diocese as Bishop Coadjutor to his approval at General Convention in August and his consecration in November, Robinson’s election has made him a lightning rod not only throughout ECUSA but throughout the worldwide Anglican Communion. Some viewed Robinson’s consecration as evidence of the inclusion and diversity of ECUSA. Others believed Robinson’s consecration is against Biblical teaching and has shattered the Anglican Communion. Either way, the November 2 consecration in a diocese roughly one-quarter the size of the Episcopal Diocese of New York was a watershed event for ECUSA.

Reaction has varied in the more than 100 dioceses in ECUSA. In the Episcopal Diocese of New York, Bishop Mark Sisk reports that he has received and responded to letters and comments which expressed both support of and dissatisfaction with the actions of General Convention and Bishop Robinson.

“Some people across the Diocese are upset, some are indifferent, some are happy, and some feel the decisions of General Convention didn’t go far enough,” Bishop Sisk revealed. “I’ve been in conversation with all the concerned priests and laity in our Diocese, and I will continue these conversations.”

When he returned from General Convention, Bishop Sisk conducted six special sessions in Mid Hudson, Region II and New York City. These meetings were occasions for clergy and laity to express their views and feelings about the all actions of General Convention, not just the approval of Robinson or legislation concerning same-sex unions. Each session was well attended and voices from all areas of the spectrum were heard as Bishop Sisk stressed there was more to General Convention than matters relating to sex. But Robinson’s election and planned consecration dominated the discussions.

“It is important that all views and feelings are expressed and heard,” he continued. “I voted to consent to Canon Robinson’s election, but we are all Episcopalians, we are all welcome at God’s table, and we all need to stay in communion and conversation with each other.”

Elsewhere in ECUSA, controversy has been much more in evidence. Dioceses, parishes and priests have threatened to cut funding to or even leave the National Church.

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