PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane responds to Question 1 results
Episcopal Diocese of Maine
Press Release
November 4, 2009
Bishop Stephen T. Lane has issued the following statement on the passage of Question 1:
"Yesterday, Question 1 provided each of us with the opportunity to exercise our franchise, to express our support for the right of same-gender couples to be afforded the full rights and responsibilities of a civil marriage or to disagree. Yesterday, Mainers chose to disagree.
Many faithful Episcopalians are deeply grieved at this decision. They had hoped that they and their families might enjoy the recognition and protections afforded heterosexual couples. The rejection of the law also feels like rejection of them as persons. I join in their grief that the right of same gender couples to enter into a lifelong, monogamous marriage has been denied. At the same time I know there are other faithful Episcopalians who are thankful about the election results. I understand that this matter has been a matter of conscience for them. Although the question of same-gender civil marriage may be settled in Maine for now, I would remind all Episcopalians both here in Maine and across the wider Church that we will continue the conversation about these issues for years to come.
The Episcopal Church in Maine will continue to offer a warm welcome to all people including those for whom the results of this referendum are disappointing. Especially in this tender time, I offer our assurances to gay and lesbian Mainers that you, your relationships, and your families have our support and blessing.
After Governor Baldacci signed the Marriage Equality law last spring, I began to work on a set of guidelines for our clergy to use with legal same-gender marriage. These guidelines will not be distributed. However, I will continue to work with a small group to consider the ways we may support the faithful, monogamous relationships of faithful gay and lesbian Episcopalians.
Yesterday was a set back to be sure, but we will continue to strive for justice and peace among all people. We are in this for the long haul.
I welcome your comments and your concerns about this development in our life as Mainers and as Episcopalians. Whether you are saddened or thankful, please know that you remain in my prayers."
END
| Poster | Thread |
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| esniii | Posted: 2009/11/4 20:04 Updated: 2009/11/4 20:04 |
Home away from home   Joined: 2004/3/29 From: Posts: 390 |
 Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon...Whether you are a 'Mainer' or a down-easter, the Good Book sets out fairly clearly that whether or not it is 'a lifelong, monogamous' same-sex relationship or just a one-night stand, it is NOT accorded as a blessed partnership, but a soinful one.
I can sympathize with feelings hurt by the election's results, but same-sex relations do not equal marriage, period. Faithful Christians who are also faithful Episcopalians rejoice today, I am sure. |
| RevDarrenS | Posted: 2009/11/4 20:10 Updated: 2009/11/4 20:10 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2007/9/24 From: Georgia, USA Posts: 213 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... Bishop.... Here's the score on this issue
God- 1 Revisionism- 0 You're on the wrong side... |
| lwinslow | Posted: 2009/11/4 21:47 Updated: 2009/11/4 21:47 |
Just popping in   Joined: 2004/2/2 From: Sandy Lake, Manitoba Posts: 17 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... Please note the sentence, "... we will continue the conversation about these issues for years to come." Being interpreted, this means; "We will not stop talking or pushing until we get our way!" If the vote had gone the other way the proponents of the open violation of Holy Scripture would have been affirming the inviolable and unchangeable nature of the vote. But now it is just the beginning of a continuing fight. It is wonderful to find that the population of Maine stands for true marriage between a man and a woman. I just hope they, and the rest of the faithful people of the USA and Canada, will continue to take a powerful stance for the unchangeable Will of God!
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| RevDarrenS | Posted: 2009/11/4 23:54 Updated: 2009/11/4 23:54 |
Home away from home Joined: 2007/9/24 From: Georgia, USA Posts: 213 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... It is amazing at how far off base a "church" can be regarding something as basic as sexual relations. It is really an embarassment to have the world to look at these statements from this man and look at it as a Christian perspective.
What we need to make sure that we do, as Bible-believing Christians, is to distance ourselves from such idiocy as this. |
| quissum | Posted: 2009/11/5 0:09 Updated: 2009/11/5 0:09 |
Home away from home Joined: 2006/2/18 From: Posts: 338 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... the right of same gender couples to enter into a lifelong, monogamous marriage
What a farce; what a fool |
| johncarl | Posted: 2009/11/5 7:34 Updated: 2009/11/5 7:34 |
Just can't stay away  Joined: 2008/4/18 From: Posts: 122 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... What these groups are trying to do is redefine the word "Marriage." Marriage is between a man and a woman; marriage has deep, deep roots into society to protect children (as well as women). Why can't we say it for what it is - a redefinition of a word. The LGTB agenda is to change the definition of one single word. Call it what you like, but it ain't marriage.
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| daveball | Posted: 2009/11/5 9:13 Updated: 2009/11/5 9:13 |
Home away from home  Joined: 2004/12/18 From: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2377 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... Gag. Barf. Time time stop spewing the garbage about "loving relationships" and sodomy equals marriage. The Bible is very clear that marriage is between a man and a woman - period. Just because homos and lesbians choose to ignore God does not mean that we must condone or support their deviate and perverted choice. Call sodomy what it is.
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| otispage2 | Posted: 2009/11/5 9:29 Updated: 2009/11/5 9:34 |
Home away from home Joined: 2007/3/14 From: Posts: 615 |
Re: PORTLAND, Me. Episcopal Bishop Stephen T. Lane respon... Lane is a fraud in Spong's clothing. He brought the Bishop of NH to Maine to witness for homosexuality and its lgbt applications. Revisionist Episcopalians confuse "love" with sexual lust where erotic sex is the objective.
Where homosexuals argue for equality, their true objective is to destroy true Christianity for the simple reason that its witness unambiguously condemns same-sex sexual relations. The equality they seek is to bring Christians down to their level of sexual perversion and promiscuous sexual license. Lane advocates this theological buggery. |
