ANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS) — Episcopal bishops, priests and lay delegates at their church’s triennial convention in Anaheim voted July 14 to lift a moratorium on the ordination of gay and lesbian bishops that had been in place for three years. As reported by Ecumenical News International/Religion News Service, more than 70 percent of lay and clergy delegates in the church’s House of Deputies approved the action. A day earlier the House of Bishops passed the statement by a 2-to-1 margin.

Delegates also were considering a proposal for sanctioning the blessing of same-sex unions and allowing bishops in those states where same-sex marriage is legal to adapt marriage rites in the Book of Common Prayer to be gender-neutral.

The moratorium on ordinations was approved in 2006 when convention delegates voted to urge dioceses to “exercise restraint” by not electing bishops “whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church and will lead to further strains on communion.” The Episcopal Church is a member of the Anglican Communion.