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Syracuse, NY – The bishop who oversees the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York reaffirmed her support of gay marriage today after her fellow bishop in Albany voiced her opposition.
The local diocese, since 2015, has had a policy to be "open and affirm all marriages between adults, regardless of gender identity or orientation," Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard on Monday. "We are called by God to love one another with honor, dignity and integrity, seeking the best of the other person."
Her Albany counterpart, Bishop William Love, issued an edict Saturday banning the marriage of same-sex couples in the Albany diocese's churches. He cited portions of the Old and New Testament to argue that same-sex marriage is not biblical.
Love said church leaders had been "hijacked by the Gay Rights Agenda" and suggested it was part of Satan's plan to divide the church.
"Satan is having a heyday bringing division into the Church over these issues," Love wrote in an 8-page letter, and "is deceiving the leadership of the Church into creating and loving their brothers and sisters to embrace their sexual desires. rather than to repent and seek God's love and healing grace. "
The disagreement arises over a resolution adopted in July by the National Episcopalian Church that will allow same-sex marriages nationwide. The resolution takes effect in December.
Perhaps most controversial is the provision that would allow a preside over a same-sex marriage, even if the local bishop refused to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies.
Gay marriage is an issue that has divided many American churches. That includes Episcopalians, who are also called Anglicans. Some conservative Anglican churches have split from the national church over gay marriage and other issues.
Duncan-Probe, the Central New York Bishop, said it was too early to know if Syracuse clergy would preside over same-sex marriages within Albany churches. She referred to the national church's presiding bishop, Michael Curry, who said he was still determining how the national church would proceed.
"We are committed to the principle of full and equal access to, and inclusion in, the sacraments for all of the children of God," said LGBTQ Siblings, "Curry wrote in a letter Monday afternoon.
But Curry noted that any clergy could decline to officiate a marriage for reasons of conscience. He did not say that he would order the Albany diocese to allow the outside world to perform even-sex marriages.
Duncan-Probe said she was not bishop when the Syracuse diocese began affirming same-sex marriages. But she said when she became bishop two years ago.
She highlighted Episcopalian participation in Pride parades, marches and festivals across the diocese, which stretches from the St. Lawrence to the Pennsylvania border.
"Bishop Love's statement yesterday may have wounded people," Duncan-Probe said. "My concern, and what's on my heart, is to say that God loves them." The Episcopal Church in Central New York is a liberating, life-giving message of Jesus.
Duncan-Probe also released a public letter today echoing her support.
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