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| Bishop John Bryson Chane of the Diocese of Washington voted for the same-sex blessing resolution at the Episcopalian General Convention. |
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HOME > NEWS > LOCAL
By: LAUREL FAUST COMMENTS
 
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has been selected to be the new rector
at St. Luke’s Church in Bethesda, Md.
Rev. Harrison West, associate rector of St. John’s Church in Chevy Chase,
Md., said only a small number of members have come forward to tell him that
they are gay or lesbian and he has not performed any same-sex unions. He was
not at the convention, but he said he is supportive of the votes to confirm
Robinson and same-sex blessings.
“What I hope will happen is that people who live here will know they are welcome
in their neighborhood parish and that they don’t need to drive into the city,” West
said.
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| Rev. trong>Michael Hopkins of Integrity USA
said the resolution adopted at the Episcopalian General Convention allows
the diocese to openly perform same-sex blessings. |
St. John’s is located in an area of town with a large number of traditional
families. West believes gays and lesbians travel to Dupont or Capitol Hill
to worship.
Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Bishop of Washington, voted in favor of the confirmation
of Robinson and the same-sex blessing resolution. The Washington Diocese serves
94 congregations in D.C. and Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and Charles
Counties in Maryland.
Rt. Rev. James Shand of the Diocese of Easton was unavailable for comment.
The Diocese of Easton serves the Maryland beach towns.
Rt. Rev. Robert Ilhoff of the Diocese of Maryland voted for confirmation of
Robinson and for same-sex blessings. The Diocese serves more than 118 congregations
in the remaining areas of the state of Maryland.
Many within the church were disappointed by the decision to confirm Robinson
and to approve the same-sex blessing resolution. Protesters conducted silent
prayers and mourned. Some walked off the floor of the convention or collectively
stayed away. Others put ashes on their foreheads.
“We’re in kind of a family feud,” Hopkins said. “But what’s most important
is that it’s a fairly small minority. The bigger news is that the vast majority
stayed, even if they disagreed. The overall spirit remains positive.”
A larger question is what will happen to the church on an international level.
The U.S. Episcopal Church has 2.3 million adherents. It is part of the worldwide
Anglican Communion, which h
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