The Mainstream Media (MSM) reports on General Convention. Sex and gender lead the stories, of course:
A proposal to expand the U.S. Episcopal Church’s nondiscrimination canons for the ordained ministry to include “gender identity and expression” passed its first hurdle on Thursday, when it won committee approval at the church’s General Convention.
Episcopalians, gathering this week in Indianapolis for their triennial General Convention, are expected to overwhelmingly approve trial use of a new liturgy for blessing same-sex unions.
The vote could prompt the bishop of Western Massachusetts, where Episcopal priests are still not allowed to bless or marry gay couples, to revisit his policy.
Sixteen years after allowing gays and lesbians to become priests, the Episcopal Church appears poised to introduce a rite that would specifically bless the unions of same-sex couples.
If the liturgy is approved, which is expected, Episcopalians will become the first major denomination to endorse such a ritual for homosexual couples.
On its face, the blessing seems similar to that of a marriage rite — including “I do,” “we have gathered together today” and an exchange of rings. Notably absent are the words “husband,” “wife” and “marriage.”
Sixteen fractious years after it allowed the ordination of homosexuals, the Episcopal Church appears poised to adopt a blessing rite for same-sex couples wishing to wed.
Not about General Convention but good news from Iowa about the ministry of St Thomas Episcopal Church, led by our own Torey Lightcap! From KTIV-TV:
Once you exit the busy downtown of Sioux City, you’ll walk into some natural beauty. the community garden on douglas street, was a property once abandoned by its owner. now, it’s run by St. Thomas Episcopal Church and teeming with life…full of vegetables and flowers. after receiving grants from the city, it’s also an important part of the church’s ministry. “it gives it a sense of stabilization in a time that may be uncertain, properties disappear. and it also provides nutrition for our food pantry patrons. so, it’s the best of the situation that we can make it,” said Torey Lightcap, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City. the church is currently in a contest with Deloach Gardening Magazine (click on woman with red sweatshirt) for top gardens. in the contest, the top five vote-getters will receive a share of the 20-thousand dollar grand prize.