At Grace Cathedral - Bishop Gene Robinson to Preach, Bishop William Swing to Preside at Oct. 29 Celebration of Oasis California's 10 years of LGBT Ministry

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - - New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson and Bishop of the Diocese of California William Swing are joining forces to celebrate ten years of ministry to the Bay Area by Oasis -- the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of California. Bishop Robinson will preach and Bishop Swing will preside at the special event in Grace Cathedral an 11 A.M. Oct. 29.

"Bringing these two bishops together reflects our commitment to serving more gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people around the Bay during the next decade through our ministry," Oasis President the Rev. John Kirkley said. "We're currently working with 32 Episcopal Churches that welcome Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender people. We're looking to add more congregations and expand our 'recruiting' effort during the next ten years." More information about Oasis, the Oct. 29 celebration and Oasis congregations is at www.oasiscalifornia.org.

During the grace Cathedral event, Oasis will thank Bishop Swing -- who is soon to retire -- for his support of its ministry. "During Bishop Swing's tenure, he led us through the darkest days of the AIDS epidemic with grace and compassion," Kirkley continued. "Lay and ordained ministry among LGBT people has flourished under his leadership, and he voted to consent to the election of Bishop Robinson in the diocese of New Hampshire. On Oct. 29 we will thank Bishop Swing for his support of our community."

Bishop Robinson's consecration is cited by some as the cause for continuing conflict within the Anglican Communion, Kirkley said. During this debate, some critics have vilified gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Oasis has called for repentance by the Church for its ambivalence regarding the human dignity and sacramental equality of all God's children.

"As we move into our second decade, we continue to advocate for the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in church and society, and support congregations working to heal the divisions caused by heterosexism in our diocese and world-wide Communion," he added.

Web site:  http://www.oasiscalifornia.org/