Episcopalians allow same-sex unions
By: Associated Press and Diana Rugg, News 14 Carolina


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The spiritual leader of nearly 50,000 North Carolina Episcopalians has given formal permission to churches in his diocese blessing same-sex unions.

"The blessing of the committed life long unions of persons of the same gender is one way our community can live the Gospel through faithful and loving pastoral care and spiritual support for each other," Bishop Michael Curry of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina said in a letter to clergy earlier this month.

Curry's diocese is one of at least six among the nation's 108 U.S. Episcopal dioceses to adopt official, written policies allowing the blessing of same-sex unions. The Raleigh-based diocese is home to 121 parishes in 39 counties.