September 2003 – For the first time in history, a major Christian denomination has knowingly consecrated a practicing homosexual man as bishop, a decision that threatens to tear asunder a worldwide communion numbering more than 75 million believers. Other churches may be right behind.

The Episcopal Church – the 2.3-million-member American branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion – confirmed the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire at its annual convention in August. Robinson, 56, an openly "gay" man, left his wife to live as a homosexual, and has been living with his male "partner" for 13 years.

Supporters of Robinson were effusive in their praise for the decision. Rev. Susan Russell, who heads an Episcopal group which is pushing for the creation of an official church rite for blessing homosexual marriages, called Robinsonís consecration "a prophetic step forward."

Russell also said Robinson's consecration is an example to the rest of the country "that the entire family of God is enriched by individuals who commit themselves to each other."

That issue – whether homosexuality is merely an orientation which needs to be safeguarded by the church or a sin of which a person should repent – is threatening to divide other mainline denominations.

Both the United Methodist Church (UMC) and the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) have had their struggles over issues such as the ordination of homosexual clergy and whether or not ministers should "bless" same-sex unions – battles which continue to rage. In the PCUSA, for example, membership in the independent pro-homosexual group, More Light Presbyterians, has grown 20% in the last three years.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) currently does not ordain non-celibate homosexuals, but there is a strong push for it. According to World magazine, 280 churches and 21 synods in the denomination have come out in full support of homosexuality.

Meanwhile, the National Lutheran Youth Organization, ELCAís official youth organization gave its full support to homosexuals in the church. Delegates to its annual July youth convention voted by a wide margin to support both the blessing of "gay" and lesbian relationships and the ordination of non-celibate people of all sexual orientations, as long as they are in committed relationships. 

Those promoting homosexuality within the ELCA hope such evidence of youthful acceptance is the wave of the future. 

Within the UMC, PCUSA, ELCA and other mainline churches, there are strong, vocal groups opposing the push to normalize homosexuality. Other denominations seem intent on keeping pro-gay views from ever taking root in the first place. For example, the Southern Baptist Convention, home to almost 20 million Christians in the U.S., severed ties with a church in July which had an openly lesbian minister.

Conservatives within the Anglican church – in America and especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America – were livid over Robinson's consecration, and some are threatening a schism over the issue.

The Rev. Dr. Mouneer Anis, an Anglican bishop from North Africa, said, "We cannot comprehend a decision to elect as bishop a man who has forsaken his wife and the vows he made to her in order to live in a sexual relationship with another man outside the bonds of his marriage."

For conservatives at the convention, however, Bishop Robert W. Duncan of the Pittsburgh Diocese seemed to sum up their feelings. "May God have mercy on His church," he said.