The Episcopal Church this week authorized blessings for same-sex couples – a move at odds with the Anglican Communion, which the church belongs to, and some other Protestant denominations.
The Episcopal Church on Tuesday became the largest US church to authorize blessings for same-sex couples. The historic step marks a victory for activists, observers say, but stands to hamper the church’s already-strained international relationships.
At the General Convention in Indianapolis, 78 percent of laity and 76 percent of clergy in the House of Deputies voted to support the new liturgy Tuesday. This followed the lead of the church’s House of Bishops, which gave its approval Monday.
The vote equips priests and congregations, starting Dec. 2, to use an official church resource to bless lifelong commitments made by same-sex couples. Usage is restricted: Congregations and priests must first secure their bishop’s permission to use it, and it may not be used in civil marriage ceremonies. But proponents were jubilant nonetheless. Read more
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Reaction mixed to Episcopal Church’s approval of same-sex rites
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