Bishop Refuses the Recommendation on Gay Clergy

The Episcopal bishop of Colorado turned down the recommendation to ‘halt the ordination of gay clergy in exchange for conservative support’
By Pauline J. Chang

Colorado’s Episcopal Bishop Rob O’Neil on Thursday announced that he would suspend the blessings of same-sex unions, but not the ordination of gay clergy in his diocese, halting the development of an already shaky truce between conservatives and liberals in the district.

On Tuesday, a task force of liberal, conservative and even gay members of the Colorado diocese released a recommendation, urging for a “time of restrain” among the members. Specifically, the recommendation asks liberal Episcopalians to halt blessings of same-sex unions, O’Neil to hold off on naming new openly gay clergy and conservatives to release their financial boycott of the diocese.

Responses to the recommendations, which took six months in the making, were mixed; some Episcopalians saw it as the optimal choice, others were not so pleased. Many conservative leaders called the task force recommendations an attempt to silence them and take their funds while the diocese heads toward the full blessing and ordinations of gay individuals.

"I think it's basically just an attempt by the peace-mongers in the diocese to get conservatives to behave themselves and be quiet while they move forward with the liberal agenda," said the Rev. Don Armstrong, a conservative and rector of Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs.

Bishop O’Neil’s comments in some ways reaffirmed those fears. O’Neill said he believes the church should “eventually move toward same-sex ceremonies and gay clergy” and that he would not adopt “whole hog” the recommendation on halting the election of gay clergy.

"There are those who believe division is inevitable in the church. I do not," O'Neill said. "I begin with the assumption that the great strength of Anglicanism is (its ability) to contain diverse viewpoints in the context of a strong and orthodox faith."

Both O’Neill and the conservative leaders said they would release full statements and guidelines later this week.

Meanwhile, according to Armstrong, some 15 Colorado parishes have begun looking for another bishop to align with.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories