Despite the dressing down and suspension the U.S. Episcopal Church received from the Anglican Communion because of its support of same-sex marriage, presiding bishop Michael Curry says his mind is made up regarding "gay marriage" and their stance remains the same.
"They heard from me directly that that's not something that we're considering," Curry told Christian News about retracting their views. "They basically understand we made our decision, and this is who we are, and we're committed to being a house of prayer for all."
Curry said they decided to support same-sex marriage not because they want to become more popular. What they ultimately want is to make everyone feel welcome in their church.
"Our commitment to be an inclusive church is not based on a social theory or capitulation to the ways of the culture, but on our belief that the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross are a sign of the very love of God reaching out to us all," Curry said.
"While I understand that many disagree with us, our decision regarding marriage is based on the belief that the words of the Apostle Paul to the Galatians are true for the church today: All who have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, for all are one in Christ," he added.
Even Jim Naughton, former canon for the Archdiocese of Washington, insisted that homosexuality and support of it is not a sin against God. "We can accept these actions with grace and humility, but the Episcopal Church is not going back. We can't repent what is not sin," he said.
The public has mixed views regarding the matter, with some people saying the Anglican Communion was too harsh on the U.S. Episcopal Church, while some others say the church's suspension was just right.
