A Bishop's Legacy: Love, Struggle, and Music

Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, is being honored with a musical tribute. This isn't just any tribute, though. It's a seven-minute piece called "Our Wildest Imaginings, " performed by a chorus, organ, and brass at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Robinson will also deliver the sermon. Robinson made history in 2003 when he was elected and consecrated as a bishop. He retired in 2013 but remains active in his community and causes he cares about. He currently helps out at the Washington Cathedral and is involved in his parish, St. Thomas, which has a rich history with immigrants and the LGBTQ community. The musical piece was commissioned by three of Robinson's friends. They asked him to pick quotes from his sermons and books, but he found it as tough as choosing a favorite child. Instead, the composer, Dominick DiOrio, selected the words after listening to Robinson's sermons, reading his books, and watching documentaries about him. The middle part of the text comes from Psalm 27, which Robinson credits with saving his life. He received his first death threat the day he was elected bishop and wore a bulletproof vest during his consecration. He read this psalm multiple times a day to reassure himself. Interestingly, DiOrio, the composer, was a closeted, gay, Roman Catholic living in southern New Hampshire when Robinson was elected bishop. He said Robinson's election changed his life, inspiring him to become Episcopalian and pursue music. Robinson's sermon on Sunday will be based on the story of Jacob wrestling an angel. He believes wrestling with God is central to religion and that love ultimately wins. He also acknowledges the struggle against a frightening white Christian nationalist movement that distorts Christianity. The musical tribute and Robinson's sermon celebrate the core of his faith: love wins, but not without struggle.