Posted on 05/02/2012 6:46:47 AM PDT by marshmallow
Following the Episcopal Church’s likely approval of a liturgy blessing same-sex relationships at its summer convention, a Montrose congregation will be among the first to offer gay and lesbian couples this rite, the Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle announced this week.
Doyle, bishop of the Texas Diocese, named St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church as the first in Houston to be allowed to offer the proposed ceremonies for same-sex covenants.
The Episcopal Church has held an ongoing debate regarding gay clergy for decades and began ordaining openly gay priests in the ‘90s, a gay bishop in 2003 and a lesbian bishop in 2010, but the issue of homosexuality continues to elicit debate.
Individual rectors will get to choose whether to offer the new rites for same-sex couples—if approved—at their congregations.
“While I long for the day when there will be full marriage equality in the Church and in the State, I consider this a very important step in that process,” said the Rev. Lisa Hunt, rector at St. Stephens, in a letter to parishioners. “St. Stephen’s has an opportunity to witness to the action of God in our midst in the lives of couples in our community.”
The state of Texas does not recognize same-sex unions, and a number of Texas Episcopalians are not in favor of the church doing so, even though the liturgy would not create or solemnize a legal relationship (marriage or civil union).
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.chron.com ...
Do these people think God approves of drug addiction and alcoholism? Homosexuality is no different. It is a disease.
But blessings by whom?
Why would God bless what He has characterized as abominable?
What a Farce.
Utter blasphemy. There's no other word for it.
The title should be The Wrong Rev Andy Doyle. Nothing “Rt” about him.
Sick of seeing the decay of my Church.
Bat
I’m sick of it too, and I ain’t even in it.
Montrose. Figures...
A number? What number? 70%? 80? 90?
Of course. The Gay Gene, the Swish Bish, compared his frolics with his so-called partner to the sacraments.
Please tell me you're joking.PLEASE!
I remember when Episcopal ministers were Christians who followed the Bible.
fraid not ;(
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