Midstate PA Delegates support same-sex blessings

Midstate Episcopalians last month expressed support for the creation of liturgies for the blessing of same-sex unions.

Delegates to the June 12-13 convention of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania at Bucknell University also voted in support of the church allowing the consecration of gay or lesbian bishops.

Diocesan spokesman David Shively said the measures were consistent with similar resolutions considered during previous years' conventions.

"In a sense, this was old business restated," he said.

"We have been far too distracted for far too long about something that's an important issue but not the only issue."

Clergy and lay delegates to the national convention are likely to consider the issues at a July 8-17 meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

Delegates include the Rev. Canon David Lovelace of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in York; Harry Snell III of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Spring Garden Township; and Jennifer Railing of Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace in Gettysburg.

The Episcopal Church has not authorized official liturgies for same-sex unions, but bishops in a number of dioceses allow them. The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania is not among those.

Bishop Nathan D. Baxter of the 24-county diocese has provided no guidance one way or another on same-sex blessings in the diocese.

The previous bishop, Michael W. Creighton, declined to authorize such rites because the church has not approved a liturgy for them, Shively said.

Delegates support same-sex blessings York Daily Record
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