From Texas-
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Montrose has a long history of firsts. Its day school was the first to desegregate in the 1950s. In 1981, it was the first church in its diocese to appoint a female rector. Now the church is adding another: Beginning in November, it will perform blessings for same-sex couples — the only Episcopal church in Houston and one of two in the Diocese of Texas selected to do so.
Supporters of the blessings insisted it is not a marriage ceremony, despite the similarities. Called “The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant,” it includes prayers and an exchange of vows and rings. Parishes can decide whether or not to perform the blessing.
The Episcopal Church this month overwhelmingly approved such ceremonies at its national convention, following a decade of furious division over the issue that has prompted thousands to flock to other churches. The move makes the church the largest U.S. denomination to officially sanction same-sex relationships, and comes on the heels of high-profile support for same-sex marriage, including from President Barack Obama.
Read more:
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Blessings-for-same-sex-couples-to-occur-in-3723642.php#ixzz21RNDZKKm
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