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Obama Asks First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop To Lead Prayer At Easter Breakfast

by Tom Kludt

04.14.14 | 11:25 am

In this photo taken Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Concord, N.H., the world's first openly gay Episcopal bishop, Gene Robinson, poses for a photo at the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. He retires from his post Jan. 5... In this photo taken Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 in Concord, N.H., the world's first openly gay Episcopal bishop, Gene Robinson, poses for a photo at the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire. He retires from his post Jan. 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Jim Cole) MORE LESS

At the close of the White House’s Easter Prayer Breakfast on Monday, President Barack Obama unexpectedly turned the floor over to Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop.

Robinson tweeted about the impromptu prayer.

POTUS “preaches” at the Easter prayer breakfast. Then, out of the blue, asks ME to close with prayer. OMG! #privilege pic.twitter.com/P1wzYCQNMf

— Bishop Gene Robinson (@BishopGRobinson) April 14, 2014

Robinson retired as bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in early 2013. He is now a senior fellow at the liberal think tank the Center for American Progress.

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Tom Kludt Tom Kludt is a reporter for Talking Points Memo based in New York City, covering media and national affairs. Originally from South Dakota, Tom joined TPM as an intern in late-2011 and became a staff member during the 2012 election. He can be reached at tom@talkingpointsmemo.com.

Obama Asks First Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop To Lead Prayer At Easter Breakfast

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