Email from Bishop Gene Robinson...

I've been enjoying a lovely family holiday in (mostly) sunny Florida the last week, so I've been neglecting my blogging duties, my sincerest apologies.

I understand it's been bloody cold up in most parts of Canada and I'm truly sorry about that. I've been busy by the pool getting sunburned and reading a great book called 'Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America' (please expect my review soon) and thinking about how 62% of Floridians voted in November to write discrimination against LGBT people into their state's constitution. I chose to spend as little as possible while here as a form of protest, while my accommodations I'm proud to say were provided for free by my lovely mother and her husband at their snowbird cottage. I'll take your sun, Florida, but you won't take (much of) my money!

I merely wanted to share tonight (no time in the morning as my flight back to T.O. leaves early) an emailed letter I (and many others) received today from Bishop Gene Robinson (who's also featured in 'Crisis.'):

EMAIL FROM BISHOP GENE ROBINSON:

Tomorrow, in one of the most humbling honors of my life, I will deliver an invocation at the first event of inauguration week.

Though many of us were deeply upset when President-elect Obama chose Proposition 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration, the fact that he also invited me – a proud gay man – is a hopeful sign of our president's commitment to reach out to all Americans.

Now it's up to all of us to capitalize on this moment and ensure that President-elect Obama works for equality.

Join me in asking Obama to take the next step by supporting HRC's Blueprint for Positive Change – a roadmap for LGBT equality.

As a gay American, a bishop, and a member of HRC's Religion Council, I was open about my shock and anger last month at Warren's invitation.

But I now feel it's time to turn the page on that controversy – to come together and tackle the next set of challenges.

The blueprint calls for President-elect Obama to sign hate crimes legislation into law, to support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to end unequal taxation of domestic partnerships and more.

In the spirit of hope, we ask President-elect Obama to follow this blueprint and keep his promises.

Tomorrow, I will be blessed to stand at the Lincoln Memorial before the next leader of our great country. His message has inspired countless Americans who have waited many long years to feel represented by their government.

I owe President-elect Obama the utmost thanks for allowing me to participate in such a historic event.

Whether you're religious or not, gay or straight, please stand with me – declare your support for HRC's Blueprint for Positive Change and ask your friends and family to do the same.

Sincerely,
The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson
HRC Religion Council