# Gene Robinson consecrated (2003)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/2003-gene-robinson-consecrated
Location: New Hampshire
Themes: Schism

The first openly gay Episcopal bishop is consecrated. At this point in the timeline (2003), the Bishop of Rome was Pope John Paul II (16 October 1978 – 2 April 2005).

## Why it matters
Gene Robinson consecrated mattered because it changed the boundaries of communion between Christian churches, divisions that still shape Christianity today.

Pope at the time: [Pope John Paul II](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-john-paul-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Gene Robinson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Robinson)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Gene Robinson consecrated](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Gene+Robinson+consecrated)
- [Wikipedia — Modern Era (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_20th_century)