Local religious leaders remain divided on whether couples of the same sex should be allowed to marry.Some area churches are discussing performing 'blessing' ceremonies to mark the unofficial union of same-sex couples.
"Our parish board is taking up the issue at our meeting this Monday," said the Rev. Thomas Reeder, of Christ Episcopal Church. "I, for one, as the pastor have already made my views known to the parish for years now that I'm in favor of same-sex blessings."
In those denominations, like the Episcopal and the United Church of Christ, that have endorsed same-sex marriage at the national level, individual churches or dioceses make their own decisions on the issue.
"When the UCC passes an amendment or an edict, it applies as a whole," said the Rev. Dr. Karin Stork-Whitson, of New Covenant United Church of Christ. "It does not mandate local congregations to endorse that, or even to be welcoming of people from the gay community."
"The Episcopal church tries to have a wide breadth of conservative and liberal views," said the Rev. Ken Wagner-Pizza, of Trinity Episcopal Church. "Jesus is our focus we have different opinions on everything ranging from this to abortion to politics."
Trinity is also considering having same-sex blessing ceremonies, Wagner-Pizza said.
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