The Riverside Church Debuts Its Distinguished Preacher Series With First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop The Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson as the Series' Premiere Speaker on Sunday, November 21

MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, N.Y., Nov. 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Following his recently announced plans to retire as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson -- the first openly gay Episcopal bishop -- will serve as a guest preacher to kick-off The Riverside Church's Distinguished Preacher Series on Sunday, November 21 at 10:45 a.m.  The series will provide the opportunity for the public to hear some of the most powerful Christian preaching voices of today, beneath the soaring halls of the Church's majestic Nave.

"It is fitting to bring to our pulpit some of the most prophetic voices of our time," said Chief Program Minister Rev. Robert B. Coleman.  "We are most delighted to start our series with Bishop Robinson, whose historic journey has been a symbol of hope and encouragement to all who feel alienated from the Church."

Bishop Robinson was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire on June 7, 2003, consecrated a Bishop on All Saints Sunday, November 2, 2003, and invested as the Ninth Bishop of New Hampshire on March 7, 2004.  Active in fighting for full civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans-gender people, he has worked at the state, national and international levels lobbying for equal protection under the law and full civil marriage rights.

Upcoming guest preachers include: The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. (December 19); The Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. (January 16); The Rev. Professor Peter John Gomes (February 20); The Rev. Raquel A. St. Clair, Ph.D. (March 20); and The Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad (May 15).

Each participant brings a history of inspired, reflective and acclaimed standing in the American pulpit. They are all noted for bringing their own special gifts and contributions to both the cultural and theological landscape, helping to nurture and lead devout Christians through the challenges of the world today.

The Riverside Church (www.theriversidechurchny.org) is an interracial, interdenominational and international church built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927.  The 2,400-member Riverside Church in Morningside Heights has a rich tradition of providing a forum for important civic and spiritual leaders. Past speakers include: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President William J. Clinton, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

SOURCE The Riverside Church