Episcopalians Affirm Gay Rights Stand

Episcopal leaders wrapping up their meeting in New Orleans yesterday pledged to “exercise restraint” in selecting gay bishops and blessing same-sex marriages, but declined to disavow either practice. The move was designed to appease Anglicans, who sought a ban. “This is a ‘try to keep your foot in the door’ maneuvering effort,” an Episcopal leader told the AP.

“I think it lessens the possibility of schism,” one bishop told the Globe. But the New York Times says the statement could fracture the church. “They’re offering business as usual,” a conservative bishop said. “The communion asked them … to embrace the teaching of the communion about homosexuality, and there’s no change at all.” (More Episcopal Church stories.)