Episcopalians Debate Blessing Gay Marriages

By William Wan

Having tackled the issue of ordaining gay bishops, the Episcopal convention in Anaheim is now moving on to the issue of same-sex unions.

More specifically, the church has been considering creating liturgical rites to bless same-sex unions, but there has, of course, been some debate over the issue. Late last night, the house of bishops, one of the church's two legislative bodies, voted through a compromise measure that doesn't create an official liturgy for gay marriages, but would allow bishops in states where gay marriage is legal to bless the unions.

The key portion of the vaguely worded legislation called C056 reads this way: "bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church."

The legislation now goes to the House of Deputies, which has to vote it through as well for it to become church law. As it stands, the bill also calls for bishops to "collect and develop theological, and liturgical resources" to report to the next convention three years from now.

Reaction to the move among the larger worldwide Anglican Church will be interesting. The issue of scripture and homosexuality has been tearing the church apart, and many abroad -- including Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the preeminent Anglican clergyman -- had asked the U.S. convention not to take up measures that would further divide the church.

By William Wan  |  July 16, 2009; 9:35 AM ET  | Category:  God in Government Save & Share:                 
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