By Kirk Petersen The Prayer Book, Liturgy & Music committee has scheduled three sessions of online legislative hearings on Saturday, February 19 to hear testimony on 25 proposed resolutions, many of them related to prayer book revision, a hot topic at the 2018 General Convention. Hearings on resolutions are being held online for the first time this year, and before … [Read more...] about Prayer Book Debate Begins Again for General Convention
same-sex marriage
Long-Time Friends Seek Healing for Diocese of Albany
By Kirk Petersen In an effort to heal after years of conflict over same-sex marriage, the Diocese of Albany is reuniting two long-time friends with miters who have agreed to disagree on the subject. The diocese announced December 20 it has asked the Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher to provide supplemental episcopal pastoral support for any priest who may wish to conduct a same-sex … [Read more...] about Long-Time Friends Seek Healing for Diocese of Albany
Springfield Elects New Jersey Priest as Next Bishop
By Kirk Petersen The Diocese of Springfield has elected a New Jersey priest and former police officer to serve as the XII Bishop of Springfield. The Very Rev. Brian K. Burgess has served since 2005 as rector of 164-year-old Christ Church in Woodbury, New Jersey, a couple of miles directly south of Philadelphia. The "Very" in his title reflects that he is dean of the Woodbury … [Read more...] about Springfield Elects New Jersey Priest as Next Bishop
Diocese of Albany Now Permits Same-Sex Marriages
By Egan Millard Episcopal News Service The standing committee of the Diocese of Albany, the last remaining U.S.-based diocese in the Episcopal Church to prohibit same-sex marriage, announced on Nov. 1 that the ceremonies may proceed in the diocese, bringing the diocese into compliance with General Convention’s mandate to make marriage rites available to all couples. “We seek … [Read more...] about Diocese of Albany Now Permits Same-Sex Marriages
The B012 Compromise, Three Years On
By Kirk Petersen In 2018, the General Convention reached a compromise on same-sex marriage that defused a potentially serious conflict in the church. Resolution B012 authorized the use of same-sex marriage liturgies wherever such marriages are legal. At the same time, it created a mechanism for conservative bishops to maintain their traditional teaching. It provided a … [Read more...] about The B012 Compromise, Three Years On
Church in Wales Approves Same-Sex Blessings
By Kirk Petersen With unanimous support of the bishops present and voting, the Church in Wales authorized a service of blessing for same-sex civil partnerships or marriages at its Governing Body meeting on September 6. The legislation enables only the blessing of secular unions -- same-sex couples still cannot have a religious wedding service in the Church in Wales. This … [Read more...] about Church in Wales Approves Same-Sex Blessings
Conservative Bishop to Assist in Albany During Search
By Kirk Petersen The Diocese of Albany is seeking a new bishop because the Rt. Rev. William H. Love left the Episcopal Church after refusing to comply with General Convention's 2018 decision on same-sex marriage rites. In the interim, the diocese has appointed an assisting bishop who shares Love's theological views on marriage. "Since I identify as a theological conservative, … [Read more...] about Conservative Bishop to Assist in Albany During Search
Falls Church Episcopal Calls a Gay Rector
By Jeffrey Walton Juicy Ecumenism A once-leading conservative Episcopal parish has called a man in a same-sex marriage as its new rector. The Falls Church Episcopal in Falls Church, Virginia, outside of Washington, DC, announced May 11 that the historic parish will welcome Fr. Walter Burley Stattmann “Burl” Salmon as its new rector in July. He is married to another … [Read more...] about Falls Church Episcopal Calls a Gay Rector