ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - The Latest on an Episcopal bishop in Albany, New York, banning same-sex marriages in his diocese (all times local):
4:30 p.m.
The head of the Episcopal Church says he will soon decide what to do about an upstate New York bishop barring same-sex marriages in his diocese.
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says he has read the weekend letter from The Rev. William Love, in which he writes the church has been “hijacked by the ’Gay Rights Agenda.’”
Curry says in a prepared statement Monday that he is assessing the Albany-based bishop’s directive and “will make determinations about appropriate actions soon.”
Love’s pastoral directive comes three weeks before a resolution setting rules for same-sex marriages in Episcopal churches nationwide goes into effect.
Curry says the church’s commitment to full and equal access extends to the LGBTQ community.
Curry says he is talking to Love about the issue.
___
8:50 a.m.
An Episcopal bishop in Albany, New York, has issued a directive banning same-sex marriages in his diocese, saying the church has been “hijacked by the ’Gay Rights Agenda.’”
The Rev. William Love says in a pastoral letter that Scripture describes same-sex relationships as “sinful.” He also says that “Satan is having a heyday bringing division into the church.”
His directive Saturday comes three weeks before a resolution allowing same-sex marriages in Episcopal churches nationwide goes into effect.
The Times Union says some parishioners gathered outside St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Albany on Sunday to ceremonially burn Love’s letter announcing the directive.
Brunswick resident Richard Fay says he won’t completely reject the Episcopal Church but is second-guessing going to one in the Albany Diocese.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.