In an address to the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) Aug. 9 in Los Angeles, Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire likened the polarized state of the Episcopal Church to a nation divided over the war in Iraq.

“In the U.S., President Bush will not admit to any doubts about the invasion of Iraq; Senator Kerry cannot admit that he probably doesn’t have any more certainty about how to get us responsibly out of Iraq than the president does,” Bishop Robinson told The Living Church in a follow-up interview. Both the United States and the Episcopal Church have become so polarized, he argued, “that neither side can admit to any vulnerability or doubt about positions taken. Politics and polarization keep them from being honest and admitting their vulnerability.”

The five-day conference, held at Occidental College, brought together peace activists from across the religious spectrum for a series of workshops and meetings.