Bishop Gene
Robinson out of rehab and back to work

Gay Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson is back on the job after spending a month receiving treatment for an alcohol problem. "He is going to kind of ease back in to things," Robinson spokesman Mike Barwell said Tuesday.

The New Hampshire bishop returned from treatment last week and came into the office on Monday for the first time in a month. Barwell said Robinson was catching up with work and was not granting interviews. "We are going to keep a low profile," he said. The diocese of New Hampshire planned an announcement on its Web site Wednesday.

The Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop surprised many when he disclosed last month that he was being treated for his "increasing dependence" on alcohol. His assistant, the Reverend Tim Rich, said Robinson's growing awareness of his problem, rather than a crisis, prompted the move. Barwell said Robinson plans to attend a national gathering of Episcopal bishops later this month. (AP)