Episcopal Diocese to vote on allowing clergy to perform civil blessings in Connecticut

Delegates to the annual meeting of the Connecticut Episcopal Diocese are scheduled to vote today on whether priests should be allowed to perform civil unions.

A law allowing same-sex civil unions in Connecticut took effect earlier this month.

Connecticut Bishop Andrew Smith sent a memo to clergy reminding them that they're not allowed to bless same-sex marriages. He said the policy extends to same-sex civil unions and won't change at least until the House of Bishops meets next year.

But some priests say he should make a distinction between civil unions and same-sex marriages. They're introducing a resolution that would allow priests to officiate at civil unions.

Gay issues have divided the U.S. Episcopal Church.

Episcopal Diocese to vote on allowing clergy to perform civil ...
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