HARTFORD, Conn., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut has authorized priests to bless same-sex unions during religious ceremonies, The New York Times reported.
The decision by Bishop Andrew D. Smith threatens to exacerbate a rift between progressive and conservative Episcopalians nationwide, the newspaper said.
"I believe in my heart and soul that it is time for this church, this diocese, formally to acknowledge and support and bless our sisters and brothers who are gay and lesbian," the bishop told an audience in Hartford Saturday, "including those who are living in faithful and faith-filled committed partnerships."
The decision does not authorize Episcopal priests to officiate at civil unions, and it does not create an official prayer service for blessing sane-sex unions. It does permit parishes to decide on their own to acknowledge gay and lesbian couples who have had a civil union granted by Connecticut, which adopted legislation in 2005 recognizing civil unions.
Nine other U.S. Episcopal dioceses -- in Arkansas, California, Delaware, Long Island, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Vermont and Washington, D.C. -- have adopted policies allowing the blessing of same-sex couples, the Times said, citing the Episcopal gay organization Integrity.
