(Stations: Please substitute the following for the second item in V0523, slugged Religion Roundup, which moved at 3:38 a.m.

Eastern time. The new version CORRECTS second and third sentences to reflect that New Hampshire is NOT among the states where gay marriage is legal.)


Episcopalians-Gay Blessings Gay bishop predicts Episcopalians will bless same-sex couples

Washington (AP) The openly gay bishop whose consecration has divided Episcopalians predicts that his denomination will soon approve blessings for gay and lesbian couples.

New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson says with same-sex marriage now legal in four states, Episcopalians must decide, "What is ministry going to look like to these people who can be legally married?" Robinson notes that those states now lets him perform gay marriages that his church cannot bless.

He predicts that Episcopalians will approve liturgies to bless same-sex couples when they meet in their General Convention this summer.

In the long run, Robinson believes civil and religious marriage should be separated, so that everyone gets legally married by a state official, and those who are interested get an added religious blessing.

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00:11 "be legally married" Bishop V. Gene Robinson Bishop V. Gene Robinson predicts that the Episcopal Church will soon approve liturgies to bless same-sex couples.

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00:08 "of same-sex couples" Bishop V. Gene Robinson Bishop V. Gene Robinson says the Episcopal Church must find a way to minister to gays and lesbians who can legally marry.

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00:12 "for a blessing" Bishop V. Gene Robinson Bishop V. Gene Robinson says he supports separation of church and state when it comes to marriage.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 05-05-09 0841CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list