New Hampshire Episcopalians just reported a banner year. After a decade of consistent losses under now-retired Bishop Gene Robinson, the small diocese reported a nearly 23 percent jump in attendance.<\/p>\n
What is the secret to New Hampshire\u2019s sudden reversal of fortune? The diocese, which Bishop Robert Hirschfeld assumed leadership of in 2013, changed whom it is counting in a practice that has been advocated by some in the dwindling denomination.<\/p>\n
A sudden influx of worshipers would seem counter-intuitive: ever since Robinson was consecrated the denomination\u2019s first openly-partnered homosexual bishop in 2003, diocesan membership declined nearly 16 percent, marriages down 37 percent, receptions down 51 percent, children\u2019s baptisms down 57 percent, and adult baptisms down 75 percent. In short, it\u2019s been a tough decade, not only in New Hampshire, but in all New England Episcopal dioceses….<\/p>\n