Calif. Episcopal bishops oppose gay marriage ban

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/news/calif-episcopal-bishops-oppose-gay-marriage-ban/

California’s six Episcopal bishops issued a statement Wednesday opposing Proposition 8, a proposed amendment to the state constitution which would ban same-sex marriage.

“As Episcopal Bishops of California, we are moved to urge voters to vote “No” on Proposition 8t,” the statement said.
“aithful gays and lesbians have entered into marriage as the principal way in which they show their love, devotion and life-long commitment to each other. Furthermore, marriage provides these couples the same legal rights and protections that heterosexual couples take for granted. Proposition 8 would reverse the court’s decision and withdraw a right given. Proponents of Proposition 8 have suggested that this amendment to the Constitution would protect marriage.”

The bishops went on to say in the statement “We do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage. Rather, the Christian values of monogamy, commitment, love, mutual respect and witness of monogamy are enhanced for all by providing this right to gay and straight alike. Society is strengthened when two people who love each other choose to enter into marriage, engaged in a lifetime of disciplined relationship building that serves as a witness to the importance of love and commitment.”


very cool

[TechBear_Seattle]

1. I'm glad Schofield was deposed

The former bishop of the Diocese of the San Joaquin "voluntarily" resigned when he and a few other bigots decided the Church's acceptance of women clergy and gay people was too much to bear. He not only would have opposed any such pastoral letter, he would have called down Hellfire and brimstone on his fellow bishops for even putting forth the proposal to set up a committee to research the possibility that perhaps such a letter could be considered.

[Tyo]

2. The Bishops get it

It's about the separation of Church and State. The fact that many churches won't sanctify same-sex marriages isn't a valid argument against same-sex marriage. The operative word in the bishops' statement was "civil". A couple that gets married at the courthouse is every bit as married as a couple that has their union formalized and blessed at a church.