The Episcopal General Convention, Indianapolis, approved the right to bless same gender couples and for transgenders to be ordained. The motion in the House of Deputies carried by 78% in the clergy order, with the clergy in 85 deputations voting yes, 22 no and 4 divided; and 76% in the lay order, with laity in 86 deputations voting yes, 19 no and five divided. The bishops approved the resolution on July 9 with a roll call vote of 111 to 41 with three abstentions. There have been various debates regarding that the bible does not condemn same sex marriages. It has been stated that in the Bible, sisters and brothers got married and some bishops state that they cannot remember the last time they married a couple that was from different addresses. Isn’t being a Christian mean that we should accept all? Deputy Pete Ross of the Diocese of Michigan, said “The signs outside our church say all are welcome. Do we need an asterisk?” What are your thoughts??   Further reading: http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/07/11/new-zealand-church-to-debate-nature-of-marriage/ http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/07/10/blessing-rite-authorized-for-provisional-use-from-first-advent/ http://www.religiontoday.com/blog/episcopal-church-clears-way-ordain-transgenders.html