Episcopal Bishop talks Same-Sex Ceremonies - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

La Crosse, WI (WXOW)— A historic visit to Christ Church in La Crosse Saturday by the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is the first female presiding bishop, and is the chief pastor to Episcopal church members in 16 countries and 110 dioceses.

The bishop's visit comes on heels of the Episcopal Church's approval of same-sex blessing services. The House of Bishops and House of Deputies voted in favor of the change earlier this week. The ceremonies are not marriages, but do recognize same-sex unions.

"We voted on a number of note worthy things," Jefferts Schori said. "We passed a trial rite for blessing same-sex unions. It will be used on a provisional basis in some dioceses, with the Bishop's permission only, for three years, and then we will consider something like that again."

Jefferts Schori was elected presiding bishop in 2006 and is attempting to visit all dioceses in the nation. This is her first time in our area.  She also spent time visiting in Sparta.