In which I get personal about God and stuff
Episcopal Church votes to accept more gays/lesbians. This is great news. The Episcopal Church of America, to which my diocese belongs, has been waffling for years over gays in church. They ordained a gay bishop (OMG HE"S GAY) a few years ago, which caused a rift to develop in the Church and led to several dioceses to split off from the mother church and establish their own. Naturally, the Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Church of England (of which the Episcopal Church is a part), decided not to comment. One committee voted to start creating blessings made for same-sex marriages. While this isn't the BEST idea, (I would just change the vows to, "Do you take this ____") I think it's a good step in the right direction. Also, the House of Bishops voted to allow gay/lesbian bishops. So no more freaking out when gays want to become clergy.
These two things matter to me a great deal as I am both Episcopalian (Anglican) and gay (technically, I still think I'm bi, but I have no idea right now). I'm also planning to become a deacon, or possibly a priest, in the church in the future. I've become concerned lately that I might not be chosen to become ordained because of my sexual orientation. If the Church is making decisions that affect us all, then I don't have to worry so much. Also, it makes me feel good that I might have special prayers along with the main marriage ceremony when I do get married. I have never felt weird at my home church here in Houston, though. The clergy are incredibly accepting, and have actually preached sermons about tolerance and inclusion. Some of our most outstanding church members are gay couples. From day one, I never felt judged for being gay (by the clergy, and most of the members, at least). I love that, and hope that the Episcopal Church as a whole continues this policy of inclusion of all God's children.
My godmother, who is the most staunchly Roman Catholic person I've ever met, upon hearing I had a girlfriend, said, "Well, God doesn't make mistakes." I love that idea, and wish more people would follow that message.
These two things matter to me a great deal as I am both Episcopalian (Anglican) and gay (technically, I still think I'm bi, but I have no idea right now). I'm also planning to become a deacon, or possibly a priest, in the church in the future. I've become concerned lately that I might not be chosen to become ordained because of my sexual orientation. If the Church is making decisions that affect us all, then I don't have to worry so much. Also, it makes me feel good that I might have special prayers along with the main marriage ceremony when I do get married. I have never felt weird at my home church here in Houston, though. The clergy are incredibly accepting, and have actually preached sermons about tolerance and inclusion. Some of our most outstanding church members are gay couples. From day one, I never felt judged for being gay (by the clergy, and most of the members, at least). I love that, and hope that the Episcopal Church as a whole continues this policy of inclusion of all God's children.
My godmother, who is the most staunchly Roman Catholic person I've ever met, upon hearing I had a girlfriend, said, "Well, God doesn't make mistakes." I love that idea, and wish more people would follow that message.