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Episcopalians Affirm Gay Rights Stand

But pledge 'restraint' in naming gay bishops to avoid schism

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 26, 2007 10:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – 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.”

Rowan Williams, left, archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican spiritual leader, and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, head of the Episcopal Church, speak to reporters in New Orleans, Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Judi Bottoni)
Rowan Williams, left, archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican spiritual leader, and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, head of the Episcopal Church, speak to reporters in New Orleans, Friday,...   (Associated Press)
Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican spiritual leader, speaks to reporters in New Orleans on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. In closed-door talks with Williams, Episcopal leaders are confronting demands that they roll back their support for gay priests or lose their place in the world Anglican fellowship. (AP...
Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican spiritual leader, speaks to reporters in New Orleans on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. In closed-door talks with Williams, Episcopal leaders are confronting...   (Associated Press)
The first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, arrives to a meeting in New Orleans Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. With the Anglican world anxiously waiting, Episcopal leaders weighed their response to demands that they bar any more gays from becoming bishops. (AP Photo/Judi Bottoni)
The first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, arrives to a meeting in New Orleans Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. With the Anglican world anxiously waiting, Episcopal leaders weighed their response...   (Associated Press)
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