Robinson, first gay Episcopal bishop, divorces his partner

V. Gene Robinson, whose 2003 election as the first openly gay Episcopal bishop rocked the worldwide Anglican Communion, has announced his divorce from his longtime partner.

Robinson, who retired in 2013 as the bishop of New Hampshire, and his partner of 25 years, Mark Andrew, were married in a private civil union in 2008. The announcement of their divorce was made public May 3 in a statement to the diocese.

“As you can imagine, this is a difficult time for us—not a decision entered into lightly or without much counseling,” Robinson wrote in a letter. “We ask for your prayers, that the love and care for each other that has characterized our relationship for a quarter century will continue in the difficult days ahead.”