Episcopals End Moratorium On Gay Priests
Church To Decide On Case-By-Case Basis
POSTED: 1:15 pm MST January 10, 2009
UPDATED: 3:57 pm MST January 10, 2009
DENVER -- The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado is ending its so-called "period of restraint" on ordaining gay priests. Bishop Robert O'Neill ordained Mary Catherine Volland to the priesthood during a ceremony at St. John's Cathedral on Saturday."The Diocese of Colorado is perhaps the most politically and theologically diverse diocese in The Episcopal Church," O'Neill said. "I am grateful to all in this diocese who faithfully come to the table to offer their many gifts to God's service, including the gay and lesbian Christians among us who so generously contribute to our common life and ministry."
Volland, a longtime Colorado resident and partnered lesbian, had been a candidate for ordination in the Diocese of Minnesota. She will serve at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Denver. The issue of gay priests has splintered the church nationwide.Beckett Stokes, spokeswoman for the 30,000 member Colorado diocese, said O'Neill had suspended gay ordination out of sensitivity for church factions strongly opposed to it. She says O'Neill is now deciding the matter on a case-by-case basis.Several Colorado congregations are served by gay priests.
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