you are right when you say that the episcopal church is part of the anglican communion, but the episcopal church is very different from the rest of the churches around the world (and globally we aren't called "episcopals" we're called anglicans). In most countries there are committes that choose preasts, ones that usually skirt controversy. In the United States we have a history of democracy that stems back to the after effects of the Revolutionary War.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has ultimately bowed to what you call the "global south," but what you're actually referring to are the ultraconservative African churches. True, there are only a few that are willing to leave the Episcopal church (there were a few in Southern Californian ones that switched to a diocese in Africa, and the dioceses of Los Angeles are in current legal battles for the lands...which is owned by the diocese not the individual churches).

I actually saw Bishop Robinson officiate over a mass (or at least give a sermon) and he is not only an excellent speaker, but an excellent spiritual leader as well. I'm glad that he's decided to make the jump to civil union status and wish him happiness (even though the Archbishop has put a stay on blessing same sex unions).

I hope I've supplied relevant, accurate, and current information, but I haven't been to church in a while... 

"You can either hold yourself up to the unrealistic standards of others, or ignore them and concentrate on being happy with yourself as you are." - Faye Questionable Content

Gene Robinson and his parents, partner and ex-wife all appear in this great documentary, telling their story of faith, church and being gay. I could see exactly why the people of New Hampshire would want him as their Bishop.

What is up the Archbishop of Canterbury? If Robinson were a Bishop in Britain you can bet Williams wouldnt dare suggest that he shouldn't have a civil union! The Archbishop would be forced to resign for being homophobic.

I'm from Minnesota, and I found this article written by a very conservative columnist at the Star Tribune.

http://www.startribune.com/local/18846129.html

It is about a new anti-bullying (spacifically anti-gay bullying) program being tested in three Minneapolis schools and sponcered by HRC. I thought you might be interested in checking out this story, including what the HRC is saying and what the schools are saying.

Jennifer and John, if you want Hillary to bow out, then I suggest you tell the hundreds of thousands of voters to stop voting for her.  Apparently, they can't seem to stop.  Why blame Hillary because Obama can't seem to close the deal.  The only people who want Hillary to drop out are Obama supporters and members of the very biased media.  I'm very sorry that you two have become part of that crowd. 

Obama isn't entitled to the nomination.  Hillary should not have to drop out because the anointed one and his supporters thinks she's a nuisance.  How about respecting democracy and allowing the voters to decide.  

If you think Obama is what's good for the LGBT community, should I bring up Donnie McClurkin? 

She just won big in West Virginia tonight.  Obama outspent her 2-1 there.  Moreover, he didn't bother to campaign in WV or to congratulate her win.  He's making more fluffy speeches in Missouri.  He has real class.... 

I'm really tired of political commentators telling me what's best for the Democratic Party.  To me, and millions of others, Obama is not what is best for the party.  Shouldn't our voices matter?  Many of us don't have the bully pulpit.  You two, MSNBC, CNN and the rest of the MSM do and you're abusing it.

West Virginia just gave you all the birdie tonight.  If I sound angry, I am.  I'm tired of the Clinton-bashing by the media.  Tired of being told that Hillary should drop out.  I'm especially tired of Obama being shoved down my throat.  What has he done/accomplished other than giving fluffy speeches?  Are those even his speeches or are they borrowed from Deval Patrick? 

Even if Hillary loses, Obama will never get my vote.  He has done nothing to deserve it and I would never give the media the satisfaction.