text1: At home in New Hampshire, V. Gene Robinson is by his own description "just the bishop." As the head of an Episcopal diocese of 16,000, he spends his days counseling priests and their families, visiting parishes, performing baptisms, attending confirmations and coordinating such projects as overseas missions and a campaign against the death penalty. What he does is important, he says, but not "anything particularly special." But when he leaves the diocese, Robinson becomes what he calls "this bigger-than-life thing." His mere appearance inspires misty eyes and standing ovations from some. To others, he is a pariah whose very identity makes him too tainted to share a pew or theological discussion. One person looks at him and sees the future of the church; another, its demise.
text2: Nearly six years ago, Robinson became the first openly gay Episcopal bishop.