Same-sex marriage at the National Cathedral

Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, has decided to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in The National Cathedral, easily the nation’s most prominent church. His decision came in light of marriage equality laws passed in both Maryland and D.C., and as a reflection of a general move towards equality within the Episcopalian church. The House of Bishops representing the Episcopalian church voted last year to allow same-sex marriage, leaving it up to individual churches, congregations, and priests to decide whether they would perform the ceremonies or not. Rev. Budde has said that he hopes the National Cathedral’s prominence will help send a message promoting equality throughout the nation.