Episcopal Church becomes biggest US church to bless gay unions

[cal04]

The U.S. Episcopal Church became the biggest church in the United States to approve a provisional rite for blessing gay unions after its House of Deputies gave its final approval Tuesday.

The resolution passed with 78 percent approval in the lay order and 76 percent in the clergy order. The House of Deputies is made up of both clergy and lay people.

In the lay order, 86 deputations voted in favor, 19 against; five were divided. In the clergy order, 85 deputations voted in favor, 22 opposed the resolution and four were divided.

The proposed blessing liturgy was initially approved by the Church's House of Bishops Monday during the 77th General Convention in Indianapolis, with 111 votes in favor to 41 opposed and three abstentions.

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/10/12666645-episcopal-church-becomes-biggest-us-church-to-bless-gay-unions?lite

[RebelOne]

1. Thumbs up for the Episcopal church.

I am an ex-Episcopalian and now an atheist, but I am glad to see the church has an open mind.

[RagAss]

2. Imagine that.... A church with a soul.

[longship]

3. Good for them!

I think that it is safe to say that we're turning the corner on this issue.

Hooray! Episcopals! Are your Anglican brethren coming along any time soon? Or am I misinformed that they're not already there.

R&K

[Pisces]

4. This is excellent news. The tide has shifted.