Episcopal Bishop in SF; Church Supports Gay Unions

Speaking at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church said Sunday that there would be no backing down on support for gay and lesbian unions.

Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church said that while they did not turn back their decision to consecrate Robinson, they did agree to “exercise restraint” on allowing more gay bishops or authorizing public rites of blessing to same-sex marriages. The promise is not an outright ban and has been rejected as inadequate by some conservatives.

"We live in the hope that there will be full inclusion. It's not universally true in the house of bishops, but it certainly expresses the view of many," said Schori.

She added that she’s not worried that some bishops will strike out on their own. "Individuals have come and gone from the Episcopal Church forever," she said.

Ever since Robinson's election, theological conservatives in the U.S. have been trying to create an alternative Anglican province in the United States.