Reply #49: Followup to my post: Episcopalians recognize gay unions

[IndianaGreen]

As I said on my post, why shouldn't congregations be allowed to perform same sex marriage ceremonies if that is what they want. Why should their theology be dictated by another, more conservative denomination?

Episcopalians recognize gay unions

Bishops reject liturgy but say churches free to ‘explore’ issue

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 7 — Even as anguished conservatives protested the confirmation of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, church delegates voted Thursday to recognize same-sex unions, another milestone for the divided denomination.

THE RESOLUTION passed by the House of Deputies of the U.S. branch of the church, made up of clergy and lay people, acknowledged that some clergy were already performing ceremonies to honor same-sex unions with the consent of their bishops. The convention’s House of Bishops passed the resolution Wednesday.

The measure, which passed with 120 delegations in favor and 72 opposed, was a watered-down version of a proposal to include a formal liturgy on same-sex unions in an official prayer book. In the end, the church rejected a formal liturgy but agreed on a statement saying, “We recognize that local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions.”

http://www.msnbc.com/news/947847.asp?0na=x2102BX6