wfn.org | [ENS] Robinson investigation report expected this afternoon

["Mika Larson" <mini_mika@earthlink.net>]

August 5, 2003

Robinson investigation report expected this afternoon

by Richelle Thompson
 
[ENS] Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold announced Tuesday morning that the
House of Bishops would hear a report in the afternoon session about the
investigation of the Rev. Gene Robinson, bishop coadjutor-elect of New
Hampshire. 
"It appears that Bishop Scruton will be ready to give a report this
afternoon," said Griswold. "Then we will be able to move into the
consent process for the bishop of New Hampshire."

Bishop Gordon Scruton of Western Massachusetts led the 24-hour
investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by Robinson, who is the
first openly gay man elected as bishop. Because his election by the
Diocese of New Hampshire occurred within 120 days of General Convention,
the deputies and bishops must vote to give consent at the convention.

The investigation explored a claim that Robinson was involved in a Web
site that ultimately linked to an adult-content site. It also looked
into an e-mail allegation from a Vermont man claiming inappropriate
touching by the bishop-elect. Both allegations surfaced after the House
of Deputies approved the election of Robinson on Sunday.

In anticipation of the announcement, the visitors' galley and press area
were packed. Robinson's election and the subsequent allegations have
stirred media attention around the world, with reports on CNN and in
many of the major newspapers.