Under Bishop Jefferts Schori, who served as Bishop of Nevada from 2000 until her installation as primate in November 2006, parishes were free to conduct same-sex blessings if the rector and vestry consented. Bishop Edwards said he believes the Anglican Communion has not come to consensus on the theological permissibility of invoking a blessing in the name of the church on a same-sex union. He said his policy will be similar to one commended by House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada, which said that anything short of a liturgical blessing is appropriate at this time.

“It is not appropriate for us to proclaim that blessing without consensus,” Bishop Edwards said. “We are free to pray for each other and to invite God’s grace on their behalf, anything that does not constitute a blessing in the name of the church.”

Bishop Edwards said he was comfortable identifying himself as a “Windsor Bishop” as described in Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams’ Advent letter to the primates. He is adamantly opposed to the first draft of the proposed Anglican Covenant.

“I would not want to nail myself to the Windsor Report as an infallible document, but I do see it as the best vehicle for holding the Communion together,” he said. “Line me up with what Bishop Katharine and the House of Bishops did in New Orleans.”

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Filed under: * Anglican - Episcopal • Episcopal Church (TEC) • Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori • TEC Bishops • Sexuality Debate (in Anglican Communion) • Same-sex blessings

1. Choir Stall wrote: But what of the “new thing”? Looks like the 815 PR is shredding in the wind. The Church is less and less amused by the revisionist agenda - thousands leaving with no one of substance replacing. Thank God that there’s a bishop in the House! January 10, 7:04 pm | [comment link]

2. TonyinCNY wrote: “Line me up with what Bishop Katharine and the House of Bishops did in New Orleans.” This bishop appears to be implying that the NO HOB supported the WR.  Of course, they didn’t, and so while I can appreciate his change from Schori’s policy this bp. seems a bit confused about the HOB and Windsor compliance. January 11, 6:41 am | [comment link]

3. drummie wrote: This sounds like the Bishop knows same sex blessings are wrong, but is afraid to buck the PB and her attack-chancellor.  When will some more bishops stand up for Christ and do the right thing? January 11, 12:06 pm | [comment link]

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