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Los Angeles
Times
A sampling of
churches divided
From latimes.com from
the Web, October 14, 2007
Many religious denominations are
struggling with issues involving homosexuality and the Bible. A sampling:
Roman Catholic Church
Does not allow practicing homosexual men to become priests, although men who
have "overcome" homosexual impulses for more than three years may enter the
priesthood. Rejects same-sex unions and gay marriage.
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Episcopal Church
In the face of stiff opposition from other Anglicans overseas, American
Episcopal bishops agreed last month not to authorize further blessings for
same-sex unions and to use restraint in consecrating more gay bishops.
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Requires gay clergy to be celibate, since church officers must remain chaste if
single. Allows the blessing of same-sex unions but only if they are deemed
not equivalent to marriage, which the church does not allow.
United Methodist Church
Gays and lesbians can become pastors but must remain celibate. Rejects gay
marriage and says same-sex ceremonies cannot be held in church buildings.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The church does not ordain practicing homosexuals but urges church leaders not
to discipline gays in committed partnerships. Does not bless same-sex
unions or marriages.
United Church of Christ
Although local congregations have the final say, the denomination allows the
ordination of gay clergy and fully recognizes same-sex marriage.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Although the Mormon church does not have a separate ordained clergy, it opposes
same-sex behavior, including gay marriage.
Reform Judaism
Allows the ordination of homosexual rabbis and same-sex commitment ceremonies.
Orthodox Judaism
Does not ordain gay rabbis and does not allow same-gender unions or marriages.
Conservative Judaism
A rabbinical law panel last year adopted contrasting opinions on gays. One
measure allows the ordination of gay rabbis and lets rabbis perform blessings
for same-sex couples. But some panel members approved a measure
maintaining prohibitions against gay rabbis and commitment rituals.
Source: Religionlink.org, Associated Press, Times research
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