( CNN ) -- Gene Robinson , the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church , said Saturday that death threats and continued worldwide controversy about his selection contributed to his decision to retire in January 2013 . Robinson 's announced retirement surprised many of those attending the annual diocesan convention in Concord , New Hampshire . The bishop , who has served in the post in New Hampshire since early 2004 , said he is energized about his next two years of ministry and support of clergy and congregations as the process of naming his successor moves forward . But turning 66 in 2013 and the `` constant strain '' from the church schism were factors in his decision , Robinson said in prepared remarks . The bishop said he is in his fifth year of sobriety after receiving treatment for alcohol abuse . `` The fact is , the last seven years have taken their toll on me , my family , and you , '' he told those attending the convention . `` While I believe that these attitudes , mostly outside the Diocese , have not distracted me from my service to you , I would be less than honest if I did n't say that they have certainly added a burden and certain anxiety to my episcopate . '' Conservative factions in the Anglican Communion , a 77 million-member denomination worldwide that includes the Episcopal Church , have opposed the ordination of gay bishops . Robinson 's appointment prompted a semi-official moratorium on naming new gay bishops , but they revoked that ban last year . In May , the Episcopal Church consecrated its first openly lesbian bishop in the face of objections from some conservative Anglicans . A number of Episcopal dioceses broke with the official church structure , forming the breakaway Anglican Church in North America in protest of the church 's stance on homosexuality . After his selection in 2003 , Robinson told CNN he was prepared to serve as bishop . `` The only thing that is sort of weighing on my heart is knowing this is very difficult for many people in our church , and for those people for whom this is confusing or disturbing , '' he said . `` I 'm very sorry about that . But I am feeling very calm about moving forward , that this is in fact what God wants for me . Although he has often spoken about his sexual orientation , the bishop told the audience Saturday that he does n't always wanted to be identified with it . `` New Hampshire is always the place I remain , simply , 'the Bishop , ' '' he said . `` This is the one place on earth where I am not 'the gay Bishop . ' I believe that you elected me because you believed me to be the right person to lead you at this time . The world has sometimes questioned that , but I hope you never did . '' Robinson , who is in a same-sex relationship , said he has evangelized gay and lesbian people in order to `` make the case for God and God 's Church . '' He also made reference Saturday to the recently publicized suicides of gay and lesbian teenagers . `` [ They ] have taken their own lives because religion tells them they are an abomination before God and who believe their lives are doomed to despair and unhappiness , '' the bishop said . `` I go tell them a different story . ''
Gene Robinson , openly gay bishop in New Hampshire , announces retirement . - June 1 : He will continue serving as bishop until January 2013 .