I think my election is one of several indications that gay and lesbian folk are being brought more into the center of things. I'd like to think that my election signals my bringing of gay and lesbian folk into the center of the church.

The Archbishop of Canterbury however allegedly persuaded him to not proceed with the appointment. In April 2009 Robinson made the Out magazine Third Annual Power 50 list of the most influential gay men and women in the USA landing at number 7. Robinson had perfect Sunday School attendance for thirteen years.

He went public with his sexual identity and divorced in 1986. His sexual orientation was privately acknowledged in the 1970s when he studied in seminary was ordained married and started a family. Robinson was elected bishop coadjutor in 2003 and succeeded as diocesan bishop in March 2004.