Episcopal leaders confirmed the election Tuesday of their first openly gay bishop, leaving some delegates in tears as conservatives warned that the decision could destroy the church. The Episcopal General Convention on Tuesday took the final vote needed to confirm the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire. The vote had been scheduled Monday, but was delayed after last-minute misconduct allegations emerged. Robinson was cleared just before Tuesday's vote. With his daughter, Ella, and his partner of 13 years, Mark Andrew, standing nearby, Robinson expressed his love for the church. "God has once again brought an Easter out of Good Friday," he said. Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold said the bishops voted 62-45 to confirm Robinson's election. Two bishops abstained from voting, but their ballots under church rules were counted as "no" votes.

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