Posted on 05/11/2005 10:56:27 AM PDT by newheart
HAGERSTOWN - The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland passed by a "substantial majority" four resolutions dealing with same-sex issues, including one that opposes any constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Episcopal Bishop Robert W. Ihloff announced the passage of the resolutions in a written statement on Tuesday.
The diocese also held a press conference on the resolutions Tuesday at the Diocesan Center in Baltimore.
The votes were cast during the diocese's 221st convention, which was held Friday and Saturday at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center Antietam Creek in Hagerstown.
Rectors of several Episcopal churches in Washington County did not return phone calls Tuesday seeking comment on the resolutions.
The other three resolutions passed support legislation providing benefits to same-sex couples, prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression and sexual orientation, and the establishment of a commission to study and recommend "appropriate pastoral responses to couples living in relationships other than marriage."
Ihloff said the resolutions defend "the rights of all persons," which is called for in the Gospel.
"It is clear that Our Lord Jesus Christ worked among the poor and spoke out for the marginalized," he said. "Issues of social justice lie at the heart of the Gospel. All persons are loved children of God, and Jesus and our Baptismal Covenant call us to 'love our neighbor' and to 'respect the dignity of every person.' As we 'seek and serve Christ in every person,' we are called to defend the rights of all persons and fight against bigotry and discrimination at every level."
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is part of the Episcopal Church in the United States and the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The U.S. Episcopal Church caused controversy in the Anglican Communion when it elected an openly gay New Hampshire bishop in 2003 and for supporting the blessing of same-sex marriages.
"The Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church have long called for appropriate pastoral care of and Christian respect for gay and lesbian brothers and sisters," Ihloff said in the statement. "Members of our Church around the world interpret Scriptural passages applied to homosexuality in different ways. In this diocese, we acknowledge with thanksgiving gay and lesbian members, some of whom are in committed, lifelong relationship ... We do support the rights of same-sex partners to equal protection under the laws of our state and nation."
Ihloff said the church did not authorize the blessing of same-sex marriage in the votes.
The same-sex marriage resolution states that proposals to amend the U.S. or Maryland Constitutions "would create new discriminatory barriers to gay and lesbian persons who desire equality in taxation, child custody, personal finances, and the right to make health-care decisions for elderly or sick partners."
The diocese supports benefits for gay couples "as a witness to our commitment to 'strive for justice and peace for all people and respect the dignity of every human being,'" according to another adopted resolution.
The diocese also has called for the appointment of a commission of lay and clerical members to study marriage, unions and civil rights, and to develop "appropriate Christian responses to questions about who should have access to civil marriage or unions; and to recommend appropriate pastoral responses to couples living in committed relationships other than marriage."
Traditional Anglican ping, continued in memory of its founder Arlin Adams. I'm now officially no longer a member of the Episcopal "communion".
At least Catholics are condemning their homosexual pedophile priests and working to eliminate that infestation. Episcopals are welcoming the infestation. Bye - bye.
Good choice...It makes me wonder what other items are "optional" in regard to God's word...pray for the members of these churches that these inccorect teachings are corrected...
Jesus was not concerned with 'social justice'. His mission was to seek and save the lost from their sin. If He were concerned with social issues, you'd think He would have protested His death-penalty conviction since He was innocent.
But I guess it makes it easier for them if they mask what God calls 'an abomination' as a social issue.
"It is clear that Our Lord Jesus Christ worked among the poor and spoke out for the marginalized," he said. "Issues of social justice lie at the heart of the Gospel. All persons are loved children of God, and Jesus and our Baptismal Covenant call us to 'love our neighbor' and to 'respect the dignity of every person.' As we 'seek and serve Christ in every person,' we are called to defend the rights of all persons and fight against bigotry and discrimination at every level."
This is twisting scripture if I have EVER seen it.
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