Episcopal bishops approve blessing for gay unions: Convention approves transgender clergy
150 px (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) INDIANAPOLIS, — Yesterday, the House of Bishops of the Episcopalian Church approved a new provisional blessing for gay unions, while the full General Convention voted in favor of general acceptance for transgender clergy. The votes are likely to drive a further wedge between the Episcopalian Church and the Worldwide Anglican Communion , which has been torn apart in recent years by the debate about homosexuality. At the denomination’s convention in Indianapolis, the House of Bishops voted 111-41 in favor of Resolution A049 , a motion to instate a rite for blessing same-sex unions. That vote clears the resolution for consideration by the House of Deputies , which must also approve it before it becomes official church policy. In a separate vote, the Episcopal House of Deputies approved “anti-discrimination language” for transgendered clergy candidates, making clear the church-wide acceptance of ordination of “transgender” persons. S