Ala. Bishop Won't Allow Blessing of Unions for Gay Couples

An Episcopal bishop in Alabama has refused to allow priests in his diocese to bless unions for same-sex couples for the time being despite voting in favor of such blessings at the national level.

Bishop Kee Sloan leads the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, part of the larger Episcopal Church, and voted in favor of a new liturgy blessing unions for same-sex couples during a national convention held by the denomination this month. But he will not allow that blessing locally because he said the issue is too divisive for Alabama.