Episcopal bishops OK rite for same-sex pairs
7/14/2012INDIANAPOLIS -- Episcopal bishops voted this week at the Episcopal General Convention in Indianapolis to approve an official prayer service for blessing same-sex couples.
The House of Bishops voted 111-41, with three abstentions, to authorize a provisional rite for same-sex unions for the next three years. The liturgy goes to convention deputies for authorization.
In a separate vote, the full convention approved anti-discrimination language for transgendered clergy candidates and church members.
Some dioceses already ordain transgendered people or elect them to parish leadership posts.