Connecticut Episcopal Bishop Will Bless Gay Unions

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/23/nyregion/23bishop.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

By FERNANDA SANTOS
Published: October 23, 2006

The leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, Bishop Andrew D. Smith, has authorized priests to give blessings to same-sex unions during religious ceremonies. The move threatens to further alienate the conservative wing of his church and deepen a fissure between progressive and orthodox Episcopalians nationwide.

“I believe in my heart and soul that it is time for this church, this diocese, formally to acknowledge and support and bless our sisters and brothers who are gay and lesbian, including those who are living in faithful and faith-filled committed partnerships,” Bishop Smith said on Saturday in a speech at a diocesan conference in Hartford.

The decision, reported yesterday by The Hartford Courant, does not authorize Episcopal clergy to officiate at civil unions or create an official prayer service for the blessings. Rather, it permits parishes to acknowledge gay and lesbian couples who have had a civil union granted by the state. Connecticut approved civil unions last year.

(jump)

Nationwide, nine other Episcopal dioceses — in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Long Island, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Vermont and Washington, D.C. — have enacted policies allowing the blessing of same-sex couples, according to Integrity, a national Episcopal gay organization based in Rochester. Kansas used to have the same policy, but it was rescinded there in 2003, when the diocese ordained a new bishop, Dean E. Wolfe.

(jump)

But the Rev. Canon David C. Anderson, president of the American Anglican Council, an orthodox umbrella group, said that Bishop Smith’s decision “is proof of his disregard for the larger Anglican Communion and further evidences his militancy with the homosexual gay agenda.”

(more in the article)

remarks. He's had enough. He's tried, and tried, and it's obvious that the "CT 6" have no intention of seeking reconciliation, only division. I think he can say without any hesitation that he has reached out -- far beyond what might have been sufficient.

There hasn't been any movement on the issue -- only stalemate induced by those seeking schism. Drew Smith has apparently decided it's time to start moving -- and in the right direction.

I've met him; he's a very warm and intelligent man. I think the diocese of CT is in good hands.

Nice to see LW religion going forward. :) I was half afraid the RW'ers would manage to keep it all back.

like Drew Smith have been bending over backwards to offer every chance of peace and reconciliation. The other side isn't doing any moving at all. They *know* they are right, and aren't at all interested in what anyone else has to say.

The progressives that make up most of TEC are the types to try and try and try. I think we're beginning to see them realize they're trying without hope now.

The far right element is 10% or less of this American church. Even if they leave, they will have to leave most of the buildings behind.

somewhere online. He updated on the suits the CT 6 have brought -- most thrown out, although they're now appealing.

It looks as if they may be free to go -- without their property. Which is fine by me.

If I can find them, I'll post the link. I'll confess I was sneaking a read or two during the announcements in church, lol!

Boy, do I feel like a dope -- I had truly been searching around -- couldn't find it on the CT diocese site...

Anyway, thank you for finding that!

Smith sounds like a sincere and real person who has authentic leadership abilities.