Episcopal Church approves same-sex union ceremony - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

The Episcopal Church has approved a church wide ceremony for blessing same-sex unions.

The General Convention gave final approval to the liturgy Tuesday during their meeting in Indianapolis. 

It's the latest Episcopal step toward accepting gay relationships. The church elected the first openly gay bishop in 2003.

Each bishop will decide whether to allow the ceremonies in a local diocese.

The liturgy can be used starting December 2nd, the first Sunday in Advent.

Press release from Tuesday:

The 77^th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, taking place at the Indianapolis Convention Center from July 4-12, has voted on same-sex blessing liturgical rites.

This morning, the House of Bishops approved the proposal liturgical rites for same-sex blessings in the Church. The House of Deputies has set a special order of business at 5 p.m. Eastern today (July 10) on same-sex blessings. 

The House of Bishops and the House of Deputies, are made up equally of ordained clergy and lay people. The General Convention is a gathering of lay people, clergy and Bishops of the Episcopal Church from across the United States to conduct the business of the Church and vote on issues that will affect the nation's Episcopal churches. This Convention happens once every three years.

Christ Church Cathedral, the local Episcopal Cathedral, is planning to respond to this issue and the General Convention resolutions over the next year, continuing ongoing conversations about same-sex blessing and the Anglican Communion.

General Convention