How happy many people must have been to read in the Sentinel on Thursday that the Episcopal House of Bishops stated that "all God's children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants" in the church.I only wish that covered all churches, not just the Episcopal. But at least it's a start.
It must have taken much soul searching and courage for the American bishops to stand up to the Anglican Community -- especially on an issue that is so volatile.
But, the Episcopal Church defines itself by its democratic approach to decision-making, in which the bishops share power with the clergy and the laity.
Evidently the bishops listened to their priests and laity on this issue.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church still considers same-sex orientation "disordered" even though the church catechism states, "they do not choose their homosexual condition."
Gay and lesbian persons are also discouraged from telling anyone, except a close friend or pastor, about their orientation.
The church continues to view homosexual persons in one dimension, the sexual dimension, and this seems to negate all other aspects of their lives.
For a church that sincerely believes it was founded by Christ, who came for all people, it is amazing how easily some of its bishops and members feel very comfortable slamming the door on a certain few.
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