California
Episcopal Bishops Come Out Against Prop. 8

The six most senior Episcopal bishops in California have announced their opposition to Proposition 8, the ballot measure that would undo marriage equality in the state if passed this Election Day. The bishops, including Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, who leads the Los Angeles archdiocese, issued a joint statement and then held a press conference on the matter on Wednesday, The Los Angeles Times reports.

"We believe that continued access to civil marriage for all, regardless of sexual orientation, is consistent with the best principles of our constitutional rights," Bruno said at the press conference, according to the Times. He added: "We do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage." According to the Times, the bishops -- who include Marc Handley Andrus, Barry L. Beisner, Mary Gray-Reeves, Jerry A. Lamb, and James R. Mathes -- concluded the statement by saying that marriage equality "promotes Jesus' ethic of love, giving, and hope."

However, not all the senior bishops agree on how, and even if, they should officiate at gay weddings. While some believe it's okay to conduct ceremonies for same-sex couples just as they would for heterosexual couples, others are seeking guidance from the church's governing body, the General Convention, which meets next summer, the Times reports.

According to the church's Book of Common Prayer, marriage is defined as between a man and a woman. (The Advocate)