This is a sad example of just how far Christian wingnuts will take their campaign against gay people, and just how personally they administer it.  They always say they “hate the sin, but love the sinner,” which is, of course, one of their greatest lies, but they have no qualms doing everything they can to, for instance, make Bishop Gene Robinson’s life miserable:

CONCORD, N.H. — The first openly gay Episcopal bishop said Saturday that he will retire in 2013, due in part to the “constant strain” on him and his family from the worldwide backlash against his election seven years ago.

Bishop V. Gene Robinson, whose consecration convulsed the global Anglican fellowship, said he was announcing his retirement early so the transition would be smooth for the Diocese of New Hampshire. He assured congregants that he is healthy and sober after seeking treatment for alcoholism five years ago. He will be 65 when he steps down.

Robinson revealed his plans at the annual diocesan convention in Concord.

“The fact is, the last seven years have taken their toll on me, my family and you,” the bishop said, in prepared remarks released by the diocese. “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.”

He deserves a break. The work he’s done, just by being the pioneer, is beyond measure.

[h/t AfterElton]

Round-up!  Let’s remember our week!

Fort Worth City Councilman Joel Burns is my new hero.  The new study which “shows” that gay parents have more gay kids is crap.  Colorado Republican candidate Ken Buck is anti-gay in a really disgusting way.  Linda Harvey doesn’t like it when you point out the simple fact that her worldview and beliefs hurt young children.  Somehow, Mike Adams is more disgusting than Linda on the gay teen bullying/suicide issue.  Also nasty?  Maggie Gallagher.  Continuing to whine:  Tony Perkins.  At least the majority of Americans understand that churches and religious leaders are at least partly to blame for the spate of gay teen suicides.  Christine O’Donnell’s lack of a tether to the real world is the gift that keeps giving.  Fired Navy chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt brought the Crazy to David Pakman.  Sadly, two more suicides:  Corey Jackson and Terrel Williams.

Telling the kids it gets better:  Google employees, Bishop Gene Robinson, Gloria Estefan, Margaret Cho, Hillary Clinton, and the President of the United States.

And two other interesting things I haven’t had a chance to write about:  Alaska teabagger Senate candidate Joe Miller has an adviser who is so anti-gay it’ll make your head spin, and Peter LaBarbera is so very, very upset with me and Joe Jervis.  I’ll deal with that next week, or something.  Y’all can help me decide if it’s worth it.

For music this week, let’s see…I went to the record store last week and I scored.  It was just one of those nights when you’re perusing the used bins and you just rack up, which is one of my favorite things in the world.  One thing I picked up which, somehow, I didn’t have, was New Favorite from Alison Krauss & Union Station.  Out of all the things I bought that night, that’s the record that keeps going back and back and back again into the stereo.  So, let’s pick the opening track from that record, “Let Me Touch You For Awhile,” and then there’s this other absolutely beautiful song that came into my life pretty recently as well, from a singer/songwriter named David Mead.  It’s called “Mojave Phone Booth,” and for some reason it Just Feels Right.  The version I’m posting is from a live show at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia, and can be downloaded here.  Then we hit shuffle and find out where we end up on the other side!  More videos and another picture from Memphis’s Gay Rights March after the jump.

David Mead – “Mojave Phone Booth” (Live at Eddie’s Attic)

1.  Sigur Rós – “Viðrar Vel Til Loftárása”
2. BT ft. JC Chasez – “The Force of Gravity”
3. Jason Mraz – “Spirit in the Sky” [Norman Greenbaum cover]
4. Marissa Nadler – “Mary Come Alive”
5. Brandi Carlile – “Downpour”
6. James Taylor – “Line ‘Em Up”
7. Tina Turner – “What’s Love Got To Do With It”
8. Cut Copy – “Hearts On Fire”
9. Dar Williams – “I Won’t Be Your Yoko Ono”
10. Grizzly Bear – “Cheerleader”

(Read More)

If you haven’t seen it, here’s Bishop Gene’s contribution to Dan Savage’s It Gets Better project.

It’s awesome to see him and other religious figures doing this. It’s a very good medium for their message.

Interested in attending an American Prayer Hour event? Want to organize an APH event in your town?

CLICK HERE

Media Contact: Wayne Bessen, American Prayer Hour Coordinator
Phone: 917-691-5118 E-Mail: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
Website: www.AmericanPrayerHour.org

Multi-City Prayer Hour Offers Alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast Whose Leaders Have Apparent Ties to Uganda’ Draconian Anti-Homosexuality Bill

What: On Tuesday, February 2, 2010 key religious leaders will hold a press conference to announce the formation of The American Prayer Hour, a multi-city event on Thursday, February 4, 2010, with key events in Washington, DC, Dallas, Chicago and Berkeley. The American Prayer Hour events will affirm inclusive values and call on all nations, including Uganda, to decriminalize the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. The American Prayer Hour provides an alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast, which is sponsored by The Family (aka The Fellowship), a group with disturbing ties to those spearheading Uganda’ oppressive Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

When: Tuesday, February 2, 2010 — 10:30 a.m. (EST)

Where: The National Press Club (Washington, DC) Murrow Room
529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor – Washington, DC 20045

Who: Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church

Frank Schaeffer, author, “Crazy For God: How I Grew Up
As One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right and Lived to Take
All of it Back.”

Harry Knox, The Human Rights Campaign, Director of Religion and Faith

Moses, A gay Ugandan man seeking asylum in The United States

Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, Metropolitan Community Church, Vice-Moderator, Board of Elders

Bishop Carlton Pearson, Senior Minister at Chicago, Illinois’ Christ Universal Temple

Background: Uganda is considering the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009, put forth by parliamentarian David Bahati and initially backed by President Yoweri Museveni. If passed, the new law would unleash a vicious campaign of persecution against LGBT citizens. Bahati and President Museveni are members of The Family and are among their “key men” in Africa. The Family hosts the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. The American Prayer Hour will show that such cruelty and extremism does not represent most people of faith.

Sponsors:

National Black Justice Coalition

Religion and Faith Program
Human Rights Campaign Foundation

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation

National Religious Leadership Roundtable
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Metropolitan Community Churches

Full Equality Now DC

PFLAG National

Truth Wins Out