Episcopal bishop says yes (and no) to gay blessings

Episcopal Bishop Kee Sloan of Alabama voted in favor of his church’s new ritual for blessing same-sex unions—but he won’t allow priests in his diocese to perform it.

“For the time being, I will not give permission,” Sloan said. The blessing of same-gender unions is still too divisive an issue for Alabama, he said. “It’s not good at this time in this place. I’m trying to avoid any further division.”

Episcopalians overwhelmingly approved the new rite for same-sex couples July 10 at the denomination’s General Convention. Bishops do not have to allow such rituals, however, and about ten active bishops have said they will not. The Episcopal Church has 110 dioceses in all.