Epsicopal panel against gay unions

A panel of Episcopal bishops has taken a position urging the church against blessing same-sex unions, the Los Angeles Times reports. The panel, made up of six bishops and seven theologians, studied the issue for 18 months and last week issued a report urging "the greatest of caution" as the church considers whether to sanction same-sex unions. "Because at this time we are nowhere near consensus in the church regarding the blessing of homosexual relationships, we cannot recommend authorizing the development of new rites for such blessings," the report said. The report will almost certainly come into play this summer when the church meets for its triennial General Convention, at which the topic of same-sex unions is expected to come up. At the last General Convention in 2000, delegates voted to "support" lifelong, nonmarried relationships.