Same-sex couples hoping to marry in Arizona are being welcomed by the Episcopal Church.
The Rev. Kirk Smith, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona has announced same-sex marriages will be blessed in all Episcopal Churches in the state. But, he says as with all other couples, same-sex couples must first go through marriage counseling and each member of the clergy has a choice about marrying same-sex couples.
“Nobody is forced to marry anybody, whether, whether gay or straight, so it’s up to each individual clergyman whether they want to do this or not,” Smith said.
Smith said he has always supported gay marriage, saying the important thing is when two people love each other and are willing to make a permanent, life-long commitment to one another.