Pope Francis Backs Same-sex Civil Unions

THE GUARDIAN: Pontiff’s endorsement likely to further enrage his conservative opponents in Catholic church

Pope Francis has given his most explicit support to same-sex civil unions in a move that is likely to further enrage his conservative opponents in the Catholic church.

His comments came in an interview in a documentary film, Francesco, which premiered at the Rome film festival on Wednesday.

He said: “Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it. What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered. I stood up for that.” » | Harriet Sherwood \ Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Muslims Call for Polygamy to Be Legalized in Italy after Same-sex Marriage Gets Nod (Debate)

In response to the Italian city of Milan introducing same-sex civil unions, a prominent Muslim activist has called for polygamy to be legalized as well. To discuss further RT is joined by political commentator David Vance and Azad Chaiwala, who created the website Secondwife.com.

Episcopal Church: Largest to Approve Same-sex Union Blessing

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR: Delegates to a convention of the Episcopal Church voted to approve a blessing for the unions of same-sex couples. This blessing is distinct from that used by the church to marry a man and a woman.

INDIANAPOLIS – The U.S. Episcopal Church on Tuesday approved a liturgy for clergy to use in blessing same-sex unions, including gay marriages in states where they are legal, becoming the largest U.S. religious denomination to approve such a ritual.

Delegates to its triennial convention voted 171-50 to approve the liturgy, titled "the Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant." Episcopal bishops had voted overwhelmingly on Monday in favor of the text.

The U.S. Episcopal Church, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is the 14th largest U.S. religious denomination, with about 2 million members, according to the National Council of Churches.

The proposed blessing will be introduced in early December and will be evaluated over the next three years, according to a church spokeswoman, Nancy Davidge.

The resolution does not mention the word "marriage" and it does not alter the church's standard liturgy for a marriage between a man and a woman, but offers an alternative liturgy for blessing same-sex couples. (+ video) » | Susan Guyett, Reuters | Tuesday, July 10, 2012