Episcopal leaders reopen divisive debate on same-sex marriage

Church leaders, gathering in Anaheim for their first national convention in three years, also consider repealing a de facto ban on the consecration of gay bishops.
By Duke Helfand
July 11, 2009

Leaders of the Episcopal Church, gathering in Anaheim for their first national convention in three years, reopened fractious debate this week over whether to authorize marriage rites for same-sex couples and to repeal a de facto ban on the consecration of gay bishops.

The issues have caused painful divisions in the 2.1-million-member denomination, which in recent years has seen dozens of parishes and four conservative dioceses, including one in Central California, break away. Last month, the dissidents formally launched a rival church. the rest