Head of Episcopal Church in Oklahoma explains vote

(Tulsa-AP) -- Members of the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma are divided over approval of an openly gay man as an Episcopal bishop. <br><br>Right Reverend Robert Moody, the Bishop of Oklahoma, voted with

Thursday, August 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Members of the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma are divided over approval of an openly gay man as an Episcopal bishop.

Right Reverend Robert Moody, the Bishop of Oklahoma, voted with the majority in approving Reverend Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire.

Moody says he did so out of respect for the Diocese in New Hampshire, which had elected Robinson. Moody compares homosexuals to lepers during the time of Jesus, calling them modern outcasts.

But some Episcopal Church members in Oklahoma are not happy.

Ross Linneman of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Edmond says he can't understand the position of the leadership and can no longer be a part of the church.