Episcopalians reject 3 openly gay candidates

SAN FRANCISCO — The Episcopal Diocese of California averted another churchwide showdown over the role of gays in their denomination when delegates rejected three openly gay candidates for bishop Saturday.

The diocese chose the Rt. Rev. Mark Handley Andrus of Birmingham, Ala., on the third ballot to replace the retiring Rev. William Swing. None of the gay candidates received more than a handful of votes.

The packed Grace Cathedral erupted with cheering and applause when the announcement was made.

The vote was closely watched by Episcopalians across the nation and their fellow Anglicans worldwide, who have been struggling to remain unified despite deep differences over gay clergy.

The 77 million-member Anglican Communion, represented in the United States by the Episcopal Church, is still reeling from the 2003 election of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop — V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

Episcopalians differ over whether the Bible permits ordaining gays but agreed that choosing a second leader in a same-sex relationship would severely damage relations within the global Communion.

In 2004, Anglican leaders trying to keep the Communion from splitting asked the U.S. church for a temporary moratorium on electing gay bishops. Those supporting a greater role for gays and lesbians believe it is unfair to ask them to wait, and they question whether any reconciliation can occur when opposing sides have such conflicting views of Scripture.

One delegate, the Rev. Mark Spaulding of Holy Cross Church in Castro Valley, said he didn't know anyone for whom sexual orientation was a factor in voting.

"It was really clear after meeting these seven individuals that the gay factor really wasn't an issue," Spaulding said. "This diocese would've been fine with any one of the seven."

The decision also was applauded by an Episcopal gay rights group, Integrity, which called Andrus a longtime ally.

Andrus emerged as the favorite among clergy delegates in the first ballot and quickly drew the support of lay voters in subsequent ballots. After four hours, he ended up with 72 percent of the clergy vote and about 55 percent of the lay vote.

The openly gay candidates were the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe of San Francisco, the Very Rev. Robert Taylor of Seattle and the Rev. Bonnie Perry of Chicago. Perry withdrew her candidacy before the final vote. All three have same-sex partners.