Updated July 15, 2009
It all started back in 2003 when the Episcopalian church decided to ordain V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire as a bishop. Robinson is openly gay. The decision created a lot of tension and in-fighting amongst the Anglican Communion, the network to which the Episcopal Church belongs. The church almost split as a result of the decision.
To calm things down, the Episcopal Church decided to put in place a moratorium on ordaining openly gay bishops. But that decision was over-ridden on July 14th, 2009 when the Episcopal Church voted overwhelmingly to consecrate more openly gay and lesbian bishops.
What Does This Mean?
By agreeing to ordain gay and lesbian bishops, the Episcopalian Church is taking a bold step. Many churches in the Anglican Communion oppose the decision. A conservative wing of the Episcopalian Church has already left to found a rival church.
The Bible and Homosexuality Debate
Some of the churches, in the Anglican Communion, particularly ones in Africa, are very conservative in their interpretation of specific biblical passages which discuss same-sex behavior. Churches in the United States and Canada are much more liberal and have developed beliefs about homosexuality which are based on the Bible's general themes of justice and love.
The Debate Continues
Agreeing to ordain gay and lesbian bishops and bless same-sex unions in one church will not end the long-standing Christian debate about whether or not homosexuality is a sin. But it is a strong stance by a big church with millions of members. Only time will tell what cultural impact the Episcopalian Church decision has on the rest of Christianity and issues like same-sex marriage.
