Louisville, KY Episcopal Church Begins Blessing Same Sex Unions
A Louisville congregation has quietly become the first in the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky to begin blessing same-sex relationships. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church conducted its first such blessing late last year, for two male members of the congregation, after voting last April to approve such ceremonies.
The move, while not reflecting diocesan policy, is a milestone in one of the state’s denominations that generally has been the most accepting of gay members and ministers. But it also has complicated efforts to maintain unity, given that some churches and members oppose homosexuality.
The Rev. Lucinda Laird of St. Matthew's stressed that the ceremony was not presented as a civil or sacramental wedding - since neither Kentucky nor the Episcopal Church recognizes same-sex marriages.
