Love Free or Die
This film is a great documentary about Gene Robinson, bishop
of New Hampshire, who is the first openly gay Anglican bishop. In 2008, he was excluded
from the Lambeth Conference, an event held for Anglican bishops held every 10
years.
His becoming the first openly gay bishop threatened to cause a schism in the Anglican faith. It also became fodder for comedy.
Jon Stewart discusses Gene Robinson and the Schism.
Despite his exclusion, he is invited as a special guest to St.
Mary’s, an Anglican church in London. When a man causes a disruption during his
sermon, he tells the congregation, “Pray for that man.”
He also says, “The opposite of love is not hate. It is
fear.”
This film includes comments from a number of people with
different opinions including Bishop Barbara Harris who was the first female
Anglican bishop. She shares that the ones opposing the gay bishop are a small
group of men who feel their power slipping away. Viewers will also meet his daughters, parents and partner.
Gene and Mark pose for a photo at their Civil Union.
For those who are interested, here you can find a map of statewide marriage prohibitions.
During Gay Pride in NYC, water is handed out to people in the parade. Bishop Robinson likens a cup of
water to justice.
If you want to be inspired by someone who is trying to live his life authentically, then this is a must-see documentary for you!
FYI, this film received a Special Jury Prize for Documentary at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
