Episcopal bishops okay "gay blessing" prayer | thebereancall.org

TBC Staff - EN

Episcopal bishops OK trial 'gay blessing' prayer 

Episcopal bishops have approved an official prayer that blesses same-sex unions.

Church leaders on [July 9, 2012] voted 111-41 in favor of the liturgy during the Episcopal General Convention in Indianapolis. The plan now goes to convention deputies for final approval.

Episcopalians consecrated their first openly homosexual bishop, Vickie Gene Robinson, in 2003, causing an uproar among fellow Anglicans and prompting many Episcopalians to leave the denomination.

Episcopal opponents of the same-sex blessings are warning the new liturgy will deepen those divisions.

In a separate vote Monday, the full convention cleared the way for transgender ordination. Some dioceses already ordain transgendered people since church policy bars discrimination against them.

http://www.onenewsnow.com/Church/Default.aspx?id=1628758

[TBC: The Bible itself is clear on the subject of homosexuality. We know that homosexuals certainly need to hear the Word of the Lord. Nevertheless, we also know from 1 Corinthians:10:13 that all temptations (including homosexuality) can be forsaken and that God has provided a way of escape.  Paul had already noted this in 1 Corinthians 6.  He spoke of members of the church who formerly had been fornicators, adulterers, idolaters, homosexuals, thieves or drunkards (verses 9-10).  Verse 11 contains the wonderful news that “such were some of you: but you are washed, you are sanctified; you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”]