In general, we're very well in tune with General Convention and how it works. They know we were there and that we were a people to be dealt with. Fred Ellis III, outgoing Integrity president, reported earlier that he and Hopkins are members of a strategy group working toward rites for blessing same-sex couples. It's gratifying to realize we have achieved what we have. There is no longer any national prohibition to the ordination of lesbian and gay priests.
Dioceses have the option of providing medical benefits to same-sex partners of clergy.
Commitment to Long-Term Relationships. One table offered free brochures and other items. Hopkins told United Voice that Integrity has made no official response to the Kuala Lumpur statement. Lutheran participants seemed envious of the gains that gay Episcopalians have made. Lutheran bishops don't have the discretion of making all the decisions about ordination, whereas in the Episcopal Church there is some discretionary power vested in the bishops.