WP/AP: Episcopal Leaders Approve Compromise on Gay Bishops (new vote)

Episcopal Leaders Approve Compromise on Gay Bishops
By Rachel Zoll
Associated Press
Thursday, June 22, 2006; Page A02

COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 21 -- Episcopal delegates approved a last-ditch attempt by their chief pastor Wednesday to salvage worldwide Anglican unity, voting to adopt a resolution that calls on U.S. church leaders to "exercise restraint" when considering gay candidates for bishop.

The nonbinding measure stops far short of the moratorium on gay bishops that Anglican leaders demanded to calm conservative outrage over the 2003 consecration of Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who lives with his longtime male partner.

But it may leave open the chance for discussion between leaders of the Episcopal Church and other members of the Anglican Communion, who are badly at odds over gay clergy. Traditionalists hold that the Bible specifically prohibits gay sex.

The legislation passed in the final hours of an anguished nine-day General Convention. It asks Episcopal leaders to "exercise restraint by not consenting to the consecration" of candidates for bishop "whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church."

The House of Deputies, made up of more than 800 laypeople and clergy members, voted for the compromise resolution, one day after killing stronger legislation that would have urged dioceses to refrain from choosing bishops in same-sex relationships....

(Read more for fuller explanation.)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/21/AR2006062100909.html

LOL! .... but absolutely no Constitutional Rights ... NONE ... ;-)

supports same-sex unions, and developing a liturgy for them.

I am lay reader and married mother of 4. I can't object to blessing commitment.