During interviews Monday, leaders at Anniston’s two Episcopal churches expressed openness to the LGBT community. Lee Shafer, rector at Grace Episcopal, and Chris Hartley, rector at St. Michael and All Angels, explained the solemnization of same-sex marriages within their respective congregations would depend on discussions between the vestry ”” the congregational governing body ”” and the pastor.
“Our challenge,” Hartley said, “is to create a liturgical practice that honors and respects our LGBT brothers and sisters while not in any way alienating our brothers and sisters who are against same-sex marriage.”
He paused.
“If that sounds difficult … I mean, how do you do that? It sounds more impossible than it does difficult.”
Really? As clergy I would propose that your challenge is to lead worship in the faith once delivered to the saints, teach the word of God as delivered in His Holy Scripture and preach repentance before God for forgiveness of sins.