On Tuesday, the leaders of the Episcopal Church voted in support of a new churchwide ceremony, aimed at same-sex couples.
Nine years ago, the Episcopal Church elected the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson. Today, the church re-affirmed its position on gay-related issues with a vote for same-sex unions.
Of the two Episcopalian voting blocks at the Episcopal General Convention, the House of Deputies voted 80 percent in favor of a provisional rite for same-sex unions for the next three years. The second block, The House of Bishops had approved the rites 111-41 the previous day.
Under the provision, gay and lesbian members of the church can engage in what's called "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant," which is a special prayer and exchange of vows and rings. Although they are essentially identical, the delegates stressed that Lifelong Covenant is not the same as marriage.
What I find fantastically surprising is the more silent news to come out of this year's convention. The Episcopalians have now included anti-discrimination language for transgender members of the church, which maps a clear path for trans clergy in the future.
The Episcopal Church has historically made huge strides to ensure all of their members are included in the faith, although it has been met with some opposition. These latest efforts set the bar even higher for other faiths that continue to struggle with gay and trans issues.
Nine years ago, the Episcopal Church elected the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson. Today, the church re-affirmed its position on gay-related issues with a vote for same-sex unions.
Of the two Episcopalian voting blocks at the Episcopal General Convention, the House of Deputies voted 80 percent in favor of a provisional rite for same-sex unions for the next three years. The second block, The House of Bishops had approved the rites 111-41 the previous day.
Under the provision, gay and lesbian members of the church can engage in what's called "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant," which is a special prayer and exchange of vows and rings. Although they are essentially identical, the delegates stressed that Lifelong Covenant is not the same as marriage.
What I find fantastically surprising is the more silent news to come out of this year's convention. The Episcopalians have now included anti-discrimination language for transgender members of the church, which maps a clear path for trans clergy in the future.
The Episcopal Church has historically made huge strides to ensure all of their members are included in the faith, although it has been met with some opposition. These latest efforts set the bar even higher for other faiths that continue to struggle with gay and trans issues.
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