California's top Episcopal bishops oppose gay marriage ban
The state's six most senior Episcopal bishops go on the record against Prop. 8, the fall ballot measure that would reverse the California Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex couples to marry.
California's six most senior Episcopal bishops today unanimously declared their opposition to a constitutional amendment on the statewide November ballot that would ban same-sex marriage.
The bishops argued that preserving the right of gays and lesbians to marry would enhance the "Christian values" of monogamy, love and commitment.
"We believe that continued access to civil marriage for all, regardless of sexual orientation, is consistent with the best principles of our constitutional rights," said the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
"We do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage."
By going on the record against Proposition 8 -- which would reverse the California Supreme Court's decision in May to legalize same-sex marriage -- the bishops waded into a controversy that is political and religious dynamite.
Proposition 8 supporters are mobilizing forces across several religious groups. The Protect Marriage Coalition announced plans last month for 1 million Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus to plant 1 million "Yes on Proposition 8" lawn signs in their front yards. Gay marriage has riven the Episcopalians' international body, the Anglican Communion, and it has also created theological fissures for other Protestant denominations, including Presbyterians and United Methodists.
While the Episcopal bishops agreed on the need to preserve the right of gay and lesbian couples to wed, they disagreed about when priests should start presiding over such unions.
Some of the six believe that priests should be allowed to conduct ceremonies now, while others prefer to wait for consent from the Episcopal Church's governing body, the General Convention. It meets next in July 2009.
duke.helfand@latimes.com
