Head of Episcopal diocese OKs blessings for same-sex unions
October 22, 2006

HARTFORD, Conn. --Episcopal priests may give a pastoral blessing to same-sex unions in church ceremonies, the head of the diocese in Connecticut announced this weekend, reversing a long-standing policy.

Bishop Andrew Smith's decision does not allow Episcopal clergy to officiate at civil union ceremonies but permits priests, through a blessing ceremony in the church, to acknowledge gay and lesbian couples who have had a civil union granted by the state.

"At the heart of the matter is whether we as a Church will welcome and embrace, serve with and care for and bless persons who are homosexual and partnered as cherished and fully accepted members of the body of Christ," Smith said in a speech at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford at the diocese's two-day annual convention that ended Saturday. "I believe it is right to change our current policy, which prohibits our clergy from blessing same-sex relationships."

Smith said he acted because Connecticut recognizes civil unions, which became law last year, and that there has been no movement on the issue at the national level of the Episcopal Church. A report in 2003 to the archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the worldwide Anglican communion, called for a moratorium on the consecration of gay clergy and same-sex blessings by the U.S. Episcopal Church. the rest