CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson says he chafed for several years at being branded the first openly gay bishop of the Anglican Church until he realized that he was wasting a pulpit from which he could advocate for equality.

As he prepares to retire after nearly a decade as bishop, Robinson says the church has come a long way from the uproar over his consecration to welcoming gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender congregants in church leadership.

The 65-year-old Robinson will hand off to his successor in a ceremony at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Jan. 5. But Robinson's advocacy work is far from over.

He will join the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, and focus on immigration and health care reform, poverty and gay rights.