Episcopal Diocese of NY supports civil marriage for same-sex couples
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- November
- 19
The Episcopal Diocese of New York has come out in favor of civil marriage for same-sex couples.
At its 232nd Convention days ago, delegates approved this resolution:
[6] Resolved, That the 232nd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, in keeping with Resolution 15 of the 217th Convention of the Diocese, which made “known to the President of the United States, to the United States Senate and House of Representatives our support of full civil rights for all American citizens irrespective of sexual orientation,” calls upon the Governor and the Legislature of the State of New York to ensure civil marriage equality in this state by enacting the necessary legislation to permit same-sex couples to marry; and be it further[7] Resolved, That copies of this Resolution be sent to the Governor, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the Assembly of the State of New York.
Tina Donovan, Bishop Mark Sisk’s Deputy for Public Affairs, said: “When the delegates were considering an earlier resolution, the bishop said that what we were doing was attempting to discern the will of the Holy Spirit through the messy process of democracy. We think that that was precisely what we did with this vote…”
Of course, homosexuality—in particular, the consecration of an openly gay bishop—has been roiling the Episcopal Church and the larger Anglican world for some time. The Diocese of NY’s decision to take a stand on what is in some ways the parallel civil debate will be cheered by some, jeered by others.
Stephen McFadden, chair of the diocesan committee on LGBT Concerns (who proposed the resolution), said: “Civil marriage provides dignity, rights and protections to same-sex couples and their families when they face the crises that can happen to any family, when a spouse becomes sick or disabled or dies, when we lose our jobs or need health care, or in caring for our children when an emergency occurs. At a time when some religious groups are actively fighting to block same-sex couples from marrying, the Episcopal Diocese of New York is standing up for equality.”
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 at 12:58 pm by Gary Stern.
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The world of religion, we don't have to tell you, is vast. The purpose of this blog is for Stern to note, flag and comment on some of the more interesting religious developments on the scene – weighty and quirky, somber and laughable, far away and just down the road. He won't interpret Scripture, take sides in conflicts or judge anyone. But he will take advantage of the journalist's license to observe.
For some post-Halloween shocks to your system, Google “Obama Supports Public Depravity” and land on “Up Your Alley Fair.” And Google “Gay Pedophilia and Obama.” Also, Yahoo “God to Same-Sexers: Hurry Up” and “Dangerous Radicals of the Religious Right.” Amazingly, blogs that promote acts that destroyed ancient cities (acts that were capital offenses in early America!) ask bloggers to refrain from saying anything that is “obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane or indecent”!!! Marcia
(PS – I’m wondering how soon San Francisco’s underground saint – San Andreas – will get a huge jolt out of the faults of SF’s porn-protecting leaders!)