Episcopalians welcome gays
Sunday, March 5, 2006
By KIM MULFORD
Courier-Post Staff
CHERRY HILL

The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey affirmed at its annual convention Saturday that it welcomes all people regardless of their sexual orientation, and that gay people may become priests or hold other church offices.

More than 450 delegates from 160 churches in the diocese voted on the resolution.
There was affirmation -- but not agreement.

Delegates rejected two other resolutions calling for moratoriums on blessing same-sex unions and on the ordination of "any person who is in a sexual relationship other than holy matrimony."
Bishop George E. Councell said the diocese continues to have differences on matters touching human sexuality, "but the spirit of respect and forbearance with one another in the midst of deep disagreement fills me with hope."

The diocese has been grappling with an issue that has caused dissent in the worldwide Anglican community, since the election of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003. The rest