September 11, 2008
Calif. Episcopal bishops oppose gay marriage ban
by
Religion News Service
Episcopal bishops from all six California dioceses are urging voters to defeat a state referendum that would outlaw gay marriage this November.
"We do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage," nine bishops said in a joint statement Wednesday (Sept. 10). "Rather, the Christian values of monogamy, commitment, love, mutual respect ... are enhanced for all by providing this right to gay and straight alike."
Californians will vote Nov. 4 on Proposition 8, which would amend the state constitution to reserve marriage for heterosexual couples. In May, the state supreme court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
Other religious groups, including Catholics, evangelicals, Hindus and Muslims, are advocating for the referendum.
The bishops acknowledged that there is no consensus in the 2.2-million member Episcopal Church on gay marriage. The diocese of San Joaquin, Calif., seceded from the Episcopal Church last year in protest of the church's growing liberalism, particularly on sexuality.
Bishop Jerry Lamb, the provisional bishop who was installed by Episcopal Church leaders to lead the San Joaquin diocese, joined in signing the statement.
Even among the nine California bishops there is disagreement: some want authorize clergy to officiate and bless same-sex marriages, while others want to wait for churchwide approval. In 2006, the Episcopal Church voted to oppose federal or state amendments that would prohibit same-sex marriage or civil unions.
Anglicans worldwide -- the Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion -- generally oppose homosexuality on biblical grounds. At an international summit this summer, Anglican bishops asked churches to honor a moratorium on public rites for same-sex blessings.
Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles, said the California bishops "believe that continued access to civil marriage for all, regardless of sexual orientation ... promotes Jesus' ethic of love, giving and hope."
