Most Episcopal bishops retire around age 65, and Bishop V. Gene
Robinson made his retirement date official by asking the Diocese of New
Hampshire to elect a successor so that he can retire in early 2013.
Addressing
delegates November 6 at the diocesan convention in Concord, New
Hampshire, Robinson, 63, said the furor following his groundbreaking
election as the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church has
taken a "toll on me, my family and you."
Robinson said he would
continue after retirement to be a roving ambassador for gay rights in
the church and beyond, particularly as a bridge between unaffiliated or
former Christians and a denomination that ordains women and gay bishops.
