Episcopal bishop observes new LGBT openness in the church

By Brooke Johnson -

Utah’s presiding bishop Rev. Scott Hayashi said that the number of Episcopalians leaving the church because of its open policy on same-sex unions and gay clergy is decreasing, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori agreed, telling the Tribune she also noticed fewer departures since last year. She believes the change has occurred for the same reason she thinks the church will continue to grow:  because the church is working on social justice and diversity issues and is focused on attracting people who are in transitional stages of their lives.

“They find us appealing because we invite people to ask questions. We don’t just provide answers,” Rev. Schori told the Tribune.
The church lost handfuls of members and leaders in 2003 when Gene Robinson became the first openly gay Episcopalian bishop, presiding over New Hampshire.
Rev. Robinson has recently decided to resign from his position because of the overwhelming stresses and pressures that come along with being known as  “the first and only openly gay bishop.” One church member told the Boston Globe that his service was “a gift of hope for people who have felt excluded from the church,” according to The Underground.