Controversial bishop divides opinion at Greenbelt
CONTROVERSIAL speaker Gene Robinson received a standing ovation as he talked about his sexuality at the Greenbelt Festival.
The Bishop of New Hampshire, who is openly gay, has delivered two of his three talks at the Christian festival with the last one due to take place this morning.
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Bishop Gene Robinson
His appearance at the 36th annual event, which is held at Cheltenham racecourse, had been heavily criticised by conservative Christian groups, which say the talks could be damaging for young people.
But hundreds of people packed into the Centaur to hear Bishop Robinson speak about his life and the difficulties he has encountered as a gay church minister.
Speaking on Saturday, Bishop Robinson (right) said: "I came out because God called me out. We do God a disservice by denying who we are.
"The question the church is trying to answer at the moment is if we have been wrong in our views towards gender, race and the disabled, could we also have been wrong in our stance towards homosexuality? And if so, do we have the courage to admit it?"
The controversial American was cheered by the audience, who rose to their feet to applaud him.
Margaret Brown, 55, from Tewkesbury, said: "Whatever people's views on the issue, anyone who listened to the talk will be encouraged to think carefully before making a snap judgment.
"I'm looking forward to hearing him speak again on Monday."
Phil Ascroft, 25, a teacher from Preston, said: "If you don't listen to all the arguments then you can't make an informed decision one way or the other.
"One of the attractions of the Greenbelt Festival is that people are encouraged to listen and be open-minded."
But not all of the 20,000 festival-goers were happy at his presence. Some said they preferred not to hear his views.
Scott Provan, 27, from Cheltenham, said: "I will not be going to hear Gene Robinson's talks. It's not for me.
"I don't believe his lifestyle promotes good Christian values. Although God accepts people from all walks of life, I think by being a practising homosexual he is going against biblical principles."
Greenbelt comes to the racecourse, p20/21
8 Comments
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by R, Redditch
Tuesday, September 01 2009, 12:33PM
“J Smith- It is interesting that you did not put your opinion across in front of the Greenbelt audience, to allow for a two way discussion, rather than posting it on a website after the event. There was ample opportunity for discussion and questions after the talks, which is, after all, the spirit of Greenbelt.”
by H, Glos
Monday, August 31 2009, 7:43PM
“John Smith, I have never heard of 'peadaphilia'. Is it some sort of vegetable love?”
by Andy, Cheltenham
Monday, August 31 2009, 6:18PM
“I'm worried that Gene Robinson's views could influence young people.
What if they go away believing that it's possible to turn water into wine, walk on water and rise from the dead.
Even worse, they could end up believing that a virgin can give birth.”
by John, Gloucestershire
Monday, August 31 2009, 2:20PM
“Thank you Hi Jinks You are the first person today to make me Laugh. Smile without rancor and we will have better times not bitter times ahead. I¿ll say amen to that on anyday. Oh just to Laugh.”
by H.I.Jinks, Biblical Times
Monday, August 31 2009, 1:54PM
“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour,s ass? ;)”