Gay bishop lightning rod in Annville
By CASSANDRA KANE
Staff Writer
Lebanon Daily News
Lebanon, PA
ANNVILLE — Supporters of gay rights outnumbered protesters last night during an appearance by a renowned and openly gay bishop of the Anglican church at the Allen Theatre.
Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, spoke to a sold-out crowd at the Allen and signed copies of his book, “In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God.”
The audience also viewed a short documentary film, “For the Bible Tells Me So,” which chronicles Robinson’s relationship with his family before and after he revealed his homosexuality.
Robinson was invited here to kick off Freedom Week at Lebanon Valley College, which is sponsored by Freedom Rings, a student gay-straight alliance.
Last night’s event drew four protesters, who stood on the sidewalk across Main Street from the theater.
Members of Silent Witness stood on the sidewalk in front of the theater holding rainbow-colored umbrellas.
“We are a human spiritual firewall,” said Dr. Blaise W. Liffick, director of operations for Silent Witness of Central Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to be a part of Bishop Robinson’s appearance and want to make sure there is peace.”
full article
Staff Writer
Lebanon Daily News
Lebanon, PA
ANNVILLE — Supporters of gay rights outnumbered protesters last night during an appearance by a renowned and openly gay bishop of the Anglican church at the Allen Theatre.
Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, spoke to a sold-out crowd at the Allen and signed copies of his book, “In the Eye of the Storm: Swept to the Center by God.”
The audience also viewed a short documentary film, “For the Bible Tells Me So,” which chronicles Robinson’s relationship with his family before and after he revealed his homosexuality.
Robinson was invited here to kick off Freedom Week at Lebanon Valley College, which is sponsored by Freedom Rings, a student gay-straight alliance.
Last night’s event drew four protesters, who stood on the sidewalk across Main Street from the theater.
Members of Silent Witness stood on the sidewalk in front of the theater holding rainbow-colored umbrellas.
“We are a human spiritual firewall,” said Dr. Blaise W. Liffick, director of operations for Silent Witness of Central Pennsylvania. “We are thrilled to be a part of Bishop Robinson’s appearance and want to make sure there is peace.”
full article
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