In Support of the Bishop of Connecticut

The Episcopal Majority welcomes the recent decision of the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, Bishop of Connecticut, to authorize in his diocese the blessing of the union of same-sex couples who have been granted a civil union by the state. We note with approval the bishop’s pastoral concern in allowing individual parishes to make the decision whether to engage in this liturgical rite.

We agree with the bishop’s view that the time has come now to "re-think, re-pray and re-form our theology and our pastoral practices, to welcome, recognize, support and bless the lives and faith of brothers and sisters who are gay and lesbian in the equal fullness of Christian fellowship." At the same time we, with others in the Episcopal Church, want to allow room for those who may disagree with this step.

While others here and abroad would continue to exclude homosexual persons not only from full participation in the life of the church, but also from acceptance in our common life, we believe the time has come to celebrate a truly inclusive church and to stand firm with the Bishop of Connecticut and the many others who are working to establish a just and humane openness for all persons.