Episcopalians Are Shifting on Blessings of Civil Unions; ++Robinson Speaks At General Theological Seminary

The New York Times reports Monday that The Episcopal Church is pushing ahead with steps to normalize the participation of gay, lesbian and bisexual parishioners and clergy in the life of the church, despite opposition by some conservatives. The report follows the announcement by the Bishop of Connecticut over the weekend at the Diocesan Convention, that the Diocese of Connecticut will permit parishes to recognize civil unions under certain circumstances. The article may be read here.

A few reports on Bishop Robinson's visit and address to the General Theological seminary earlier in October are now available.

"Bishop Robinson Welcomed at General Theological Seminary"
"Openly Gay Bishop Spreads The Gospel of Inclusion"
"Seminary Must Survive for Gay Rights and for Chelsea"

Updated Tuesday: Meanwhile, The Diocese of Sydney, Australia, meeting in annual synod, has issued a warning "that looming changes would adversely affect the status of the Archbishop of Canterbury." The diocese, perhaps the most evangelical diocese in the entire Communion, has also decided to formally oppose openly gay clergy and the blessing of same sex unions, while recognizing that The Episcopal Church has assumed a "missionary-like" stance on the issue. One report is here; another, here. A third report published Tuesday, focuses more on Jensen's opposition to gay clergy than on the implication in the other reports, that such differences may be matters for each province to decide.