Friday, July 11, 2008

Kudos To AZ Bishop Kirk S. Smith

"We have a clearer idea of what we stand for," Smith said. "We are an inclusive church that welcomes all baptized people. There are no second-class Christians in the Episcopal Church. It has been a good lesson for us to learn."

In an article today from the online Arizona Daily Star, Bishop Smith speaks to the exclusion of Gene Robinson from Lambeth and to his personal views on same sex blessings.

While the Diocese does not yet bless same sex couples, Smith states that clergy will begin to discuss how to proceed next year having done "...[W]hat the worldwide Anglican Communion asked of us, though I'm not sure it accomplished much."

Thank you, Bishop Smith, for your support of Gene Robinson and thank you for your intent to support same sex couples in their desire to live under the covenant of marriage.

I wish you well on your trip to Lambeth. May the Peace of the Lord be with you.