Episcopal Church to Perform Gay Wedding Ceremonies

Gay marriage ceremonies are now officially allowed in Episcopal churches.

Church officials voted Wednesday at the denomination's national assembly in Salt Lake City to allow same-sex weddings.

The measure passed by an overwhelming margin in the House of Deputies, the Episcopal voting body of clergy and lay people.

The church elected their first openly gay bishop in 2003, prompting many conservative congregations to break away from the denomination.

Since then, many dioceses have allowed priests to perform civil same-sex ceremonies. Under the new rules, clergy can decline to perform the ceremonies.