Hurray for the Episcopalians & Presbyterians

==*==*==*==*==*==*==*
Jun 20, 8:34 PM EDT
Episcopalians Reject Ban on Gay Bishops
By RACHEL ZOLL , AP Religion Writer

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Episcopal delegates Tuesday snubbed Anglican leaders' request to temporarily stop electing openly gay bishops, a vote that prompted the church's leader to call a special session in hopes of reaching a compromise to preserve fragile Anglican unity.

The vote by the Episcopal House of Deputies came just hours before Presbyterians, at a separate meeting, approved a plan to let local congregations install gay ministers if they wish.

In Columbus, wrenching debate over the moratorium on gay bishops stretched over two days in the House of Deputies, a legislative body of more than 800 clergy and lay leaders.

Top Anglican officials had asked the Episcopalians for a temporary ban to calm the outrage among conservatives over the election three years ago of Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who lives with his longtime male partner.

(Read full story.)
==*==*==*==*==*==*==*