Pray for my church

N.E. bishop at center of Lutherans' gay debate - The Boston Globe

Over the last several years, Payne has won high marks for her ability to keep conservatives and liberals at the same table, and for her emphasis on avoiding the division that has riven the Episcopal Church USA over similar issues. Payne's panel is advising that the denomination retain its ban on blessing same-sex relationships as an ''official action" of the church, while allowing pastors to ''minister" to such couples in unofficial ways that can include informal blessings. The panel is also recommending that the denomination continue to bar the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians, but allow exceptions at the behest of bishops.

The substance of the Payne panel's recommendations has satisfied neither side.

- Because it's not good enough.

But I respect and admire this woman's attempt to resolve the issue the Christian way: through dialogue and understanding, and compromise.