Episcopal diocese to bless gay unions

CINCINNATI, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- The Episcopal bishop for southern Ohio has announced the diocese will begin blessing gay relationships next year.

The Right Rev. Thomas Breidenthal told delegates to the diocesan convention Friday they should not be surprised since he had written in support of same-sex unions before he was elected bishop in 2006, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported. He said the blessings would begin after Easter in 2010.

Homosexuality has been a controversial issue in the Anglican Communion since the U.S. church began ordaining openly gay priests about 20 years ago. The rift became open in 2003 when the diocese of New Hampshire, with the approval of the national General Convention, consecrated an openly gay bishop.

Some congregations and even entire dioceses have left the U.S. church recently, seeking sponsorship from conservative provinces in South America and Africa.

The General Convention this summer approved allowing openly gay bishops and the development of a liturgy for same-sex unions.

Breidenthal's diocese has 80 churches and about 25,000 members in the Cincinnati region and elsewhere in southern Ohio.