As the gay marriage debate continues in the courts and within communities, a newly introduced bill by State Senator Mark Leno may win over church leaders who are opposed to same-sex unions. The Civil Marriage Religious Freedom Act, SB 906, will affirm that no clergy member will be forced under law to perform any civil marriage that is against his or her belief system. “While we know religious freedom is protected under our Constitution, this legislation eliminates any confusion or doubt under state law, reaffirming that no member of clergy or church will be penalized for refusing to solemnize marriages that violate their religious tenets,” Leno said. more ›

Yesterday leaders of the Episcopal Church here in Los Angeles announced the six candidates they've selected as nominees for two open Suffragan (assistant) Bishop positions, reports the LA Times, and among those in the running are two openly gay priests. more ›