There is common wordplay in twelve-step programs regarding denial. The saying usually goes: "De Nile is not a river in Egypt." The underlying issue is that denial is a substantive block to recovery and mental health. Fundamental to the development of true spirituality is the discovery that there are some things wrong with us that only humble acknowledgement and surrender to God can heal. The basic problem is acknowledged by Jesus when he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. . . . I came not to call the righteous, but sinners" (Matthew 9:12, 13 ESV). If you can't acknowledge that something is wrong you throw up a great block to healing and saving grace.

I once had occasion to attempt to refer someone to a twelve-step program. Part way through the referral process things fell apart. The lady became obdurate. From her viewpoint nothing was wrong. The twelve-step group member who was working with me on the referral quipped, "What she needs is an Egyptian Hat Shop." When I questioned what he meant, he remarked, "Well, she's obviously the Queen of De Nile!"

Gene Robinson's interview on 60 Minutes on Sunday evening March 7^th illustrates the problem in light of the conflict within the Episcopal Church. He clearly believes that God is on his side. That is a dangerous position to take. Even an Old Testament notable like Joshua was cautioned about taking that kind of stance. Confronted by a man with a drawn sword Joshua asks, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?" The man replies, "No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come" (Joshua 5:13-14 ESV). Robinson has it wrong. God is not on Robinson's side. Instead He wants to know whether Robinson is on His side. The question is not whether or not God agrees with Robinson, but whether Robinson agrees with God.

The interview was a marvelous example of the denial of reality. Missing entirely was any kind of appreciation that his consecration failed to meet the age-old criteria of ecumenicity, antiquity, and common consent. Equally clear was a failure to grasp that the larger Church believes that Holy Scripture in both Old and New Testaments clearly disagrees with Robinson's choice of lifestyle. The God of Holy Scripture, having expressed his mind on the subject of homosexual activity in Romans 1:26-28, goes on to say "Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them" (Romans 1:32 ESV). Understand that the emphasis is on actions, not orientation. On the other hand we need to understand that the God of Holy Scripture is not the god that Robinson follows.

In attempting to take the high road he made it clear that conservatives may have to leave his church. He made it equally clear that he fully expected to win over those who were in what he referred to as the middle. Through all of that he obviously did not expect the negative reaction to his consecration to have much of an ongoing impact on the Episcopal Church. In the 60 Minutes interview he added nothing substantive to the discussion within the Church. My twelve-step friend's witticism was on the mark. What Robinson needs is an Egyptian Hat Shop.

- Father Rob +