Episcopalians REJECT Ban on Gay Bishops

Jun 20, 3:39 PM EDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Episcopal clergy and lay delegates Tuesday rejected a demand from fellow Anglicans that they temporarily stop electing gay bishops, leaving little chance the proposal could be revived at a national church meeting.

Anglican leaders, angered by the 2003 consecration of an openly gay Episcopal bishop, had asked the Episcopalians pass a moratorium - at least for now - on homosexuals leading dioceses.

But in a complex balloting system, a majority of the Episcopal House of Deputies voted against the measure, which church leaders had seen as critical to keeping the embattled Anglican Communion together.

The critical debate in the Episcopal Church came on a day when another American Protestant denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), coincidentally planned to decide on whether to allow leeway on the ordination of gay clergy and lay elders and deacons.

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Thanks!

Honestly, what is the message from these other countries? If there is such a thing as the Last Judgment, I'm far more comfortable making the case that I was more inclusive and loving to my fellow human beings than God is. And God can blame Jesus for that.

...the measure, which church leaders had seen as critical to keeping the embattled Anglican Communion together."

That tells me that, if there's a split, any new church that emerges would only be stronger and more open. The deputies are simply on the wrong side of this issue, both morally and politically.

...in a stable longterm relationship. she has been a great help to my family in times of crisis, especially a nephew's coming out.
if the church kicks her out, they've kicked me and my family out!