Diocese recommends priests be allowed to perform civil unions in CT

Diocese recommends priests be allowed to perform civil unions
Newsday

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Members of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut passed a resolution Saturday urging Bishop Andrew Smith to allow priests in Connecticut to preside at civil union ceremonies.

The resolution passed overwhelmingly at the diocese annual meeting, church officials said.

A law allowing same-sex civil unions in Connecticut took effect Oct. 1. But Smith reminded clergy in a recent memo that they are not authorized to officiate at blessings of same-sex unions. He said that won't change at least until the House of Bishops meets in 2006.

The resolution, while not binding, gives the diocese, "a sense of this convention at this time," Smith said. There will be other occasions to discuss whether priests should preside over civil unions or not, he said.

Gay issues have divided the U.S. Episcopal Church and are at the center of an ongoing dispute between Smith and six priests who had asked to be supervised by a different bishop.

They disagree with Smith's support for the Rev. V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the church's first openly gay bishop.

Supporters of the resolution pitched it as a civil rights issue, saying just as it would be unthinkable to deny services to minorities, it is wrong to deny gay, lesbian and transgender people equality.

There should be "full inclusion" of all people, said the Rev. James Cooke of Meriden, who serves as a chaplain at Bridgeport Hospital. "This is what puts us on the edge of progressive Christianity."

Those opposing the resolution, urged the gathering not to confuse civil rights with sexual rights.

"I would like to be able to preside over civil unions, but this issue should not destroy the unity of the church," said Rev. Mark Delcruze, an attendee from Ridgefield.