Episcopal leaders affirm new policy on same-sex blessings, By Duke Helfand - Los Angeles Times

Capping a 10-day convention in Anaheim, leaders of the Episcopal Church agreed Friday to consider marriage liturgies for same-sex unions and to give bishops greater latitude in meeting the spiritual needs of gay and lesbian couples.

V. Gene Robinson, center, and other bishops now have more latitude in meeting the spiritual needs of lesbian and gay couples in the Episcopal Church. Photo

The new policy marked a second victory for liberals after the church gave final approval Tuesday to a measure ending a de facto ban on the ordination of gay bishops…

"In adopting this resolution, it is not our desire to give offense," they wrote. "We remain keenly aware of the concerns and sensibilities of our brothers and sisters in other churches across the communion. We believe also that the honesty reflected in this resolution is essential if indeed we are to live into the deep communion that we all profess and earnestly desire."

… "I think we are learning more about each other's contexts," she said of the relationships in the communion. "We know more about what it means to be a Christian in Pakistan or North India or Kenya."

"What has happened at the convention are signs of the health and vigor of the Episcopal Church," said Bishop J. Neil Alexander of Atlanta. Read complete article on Los Angeles Times

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