In the California Episcopal Diocese, "LGBT persons have and will be ordained," explained Thomas M. Jackson, president of Oasis, an official LGBT ministry of the local diocese.

"That wasn't the question," he said. "The issue was whether or not people would be given a fair hearing if they were called to be considered to be a bishop."

The Reverend John Kirkley, rector of the St. John the Evangelist in San Francisco's Mission District, said he was "heartened" by the approval of ordination and blessing resolutions, at the same time voicing "hopeful patience" as the most "helpful response" to the Episcopal Church's "small but significant steps forward."

In moving on, both Jackson and Kirkley agree: Lay persons, deacons, priests, and bishops will abide by the constitutions and canons of the Episcopal Church that prohibit any kind of discrimination against gay people.

The ordination resolution in effect removes de facto moratoria on openly gay bishops.

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • General Convention • Sexuality Debate (in Anglican Communion) • Same-sex blessings

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