Openly gay bishop Robinson sets retirement date

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.