Newly consecrated Bishop Marc Andrus, who recently moved from Birmingham, has approved guidelines for holy unions in the Diocese of California.
The Rev. Susan Russell, President of Integrity USA, yesterday cited the Diocese of California’s announcement of a policy on the blessing of same-gender unions as “a clear, concise, and pastoral response to the needs of lesbian and gay couples in our churches.”
Russell continued, saying that newly consecrated Bishop Marc Andrus had “demonstrated the kind of transparency that caused him to be elected bishop of California in the first place.” She also said, “Bishop Andrus is to be commended for his leadership in setting clear guidelines.”
Russell pointed out that “this policy is consistent with the letter and spirit of Resolution C051 of General Convention 2003. It is a real step forward toward the full inclusion of lesbian and gay couples in the Diocese of California and—one would hope—throughout the Episcopal Church.”
California joins the dioceses of Arkansas, Delaware, Long Island, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Vermont, and Washington, which already have official policies permitting same-gender blessings. This is good news for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in the Episcopal Church, and I celebrate with them.
Thanks to Brad for the tip.
Arkansas? North Carolina? Vermont? There’s a mixed bag for you.
I wonder why Hawaii and Massachusetts haven’t jumped on board with this?
About the only thing I remember from my single pass through Delaware probably twenty years ago were the pro-life billboards lining the highways. Maybe they’re pro all kinds and varieties of life. That’s nice to hear.
“Maybe they’re pro all kinds and varieties of life. That’s nice to hear.”
Well, at least the Episcopalians are. Yeah, I was surprised that California was behind some of the others on the list.
Good news indeed. It’s a little embarrassing to have all those states (especially Arkansas and North Carolina) ahead of California…but then it’s also embarrassing to have the Episcopal church ahead of the UMC.
I don’t know when — or if — the UMC will catch up. It’s depressing.