Episcopal Press and News

New Bishop in North Carolina Fires Prominent Social Activist

Episcopal News Service. February 9, 1994 [94022C]

Bishop-elect Robert Johnson in the Diocese of North Carolina has announced that he is firing the Rev. Jim Lewis, director of Christian social ministries for the diocese and a prominent social activist in the church. "I've done what I believe is in the best interest of the diocese," Johnson told the diocesan convention. He said that he planned to focus on efforts to strengthen the local parish, in response to a survey of clergy and laity. Lewis said that the bishop had made it clear in private conversations that he did not like his penchant for taking highly visible positions on controversial issues. "I fly close to the sun, so it's no surprise to me in one sense that I'm no longer staying," he told the press. After extensive debate, the convention voted down proposals for a liturgical rite to celebrate monogamous gay relationships. Johnson argued in favor, saying that he thinks the church should provide the means to encourage commitment rather than promiscuity and that he hopes to keep the issue open for discussion. Opponents argued that recognizing gay relationships would contradict the Bible's condemnation. "It is not a role for the church to validate lifestyles in particular cultures," said a delegate from Raleigh.