"Episcopal Bishops authorize gay blessing".....one very small step...
Last edited Tue Jul 10, 2012, 02:45 AM - Edit history (2)
Approve of religion or no, you should at least acknowledge when high level clergy show some vague signs of rationality. It doesn't happen that often
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57469077/episcopal-bishops-authorize-gay-blessing/
(AP) Episcopal bishops approved an official prayer service for blessing same-sex couples Monday at a national convention that also cleared the way for transgender ordination. At the Episcopal General Convention in Indianapolis, the House of Bishops voted 111-41, with three abstentions, to authorize a provisional rite for same-sex unions for the next three years. The liturgy next goes to convention's deputies for their authorization.
In a separate vote Monday, the full convention approved new anti-discrimination language for transgendered clergy candidates and church members. Some dioceses already ordain transgendered people or elect them to positions of parish leadership. However, advocates for the amendment argued they needed an explicit statement of acceptance as the churchwide policy. The Rev. Carla Robinson, who is transgendered and a vicar of All Saints Church in Seattle, said she was lucky to have the backing of parishes and bishops when she was considering ordination, but she said others haven't had the same support.
The official liturgy for same-sex blessings has been in development since 2009, when it was authorized by the last General Convention. Some bishops had already developed rites for the ceremonies for use in their own dioceses. If the deputies approve the proposal before them in Indianapolis, it will be the first such official prayer for use by the entire church.
The rite is called "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant." It includes what one bishop described as a conscience clause, explicitly stating that no one in the church would be forced to perform the ceremony or punished in any way for barring its use."
Certainly it isn't equality but its a step in the right direction for an institution (i.e. the Christian church) that seems determined to self-destruct.
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