Episcopal church to affirm gay clergy

ANAHEIM, California -- Episcopalians are moving toward affirming an open role for gay and lesbian clergy in their church despite pressure from fellow Anglicans not to do so.

Episcopal bishops voted at a national meeting Monday for a statement that says "God has called and may call" gays and lesbians to ministry. Delegates to the meeting already approved a nearly identical statement. This latest version is likely to be approved by Friday.

Episcopalians caused an uproar in 2003 by consecrating the first openly gay bishop. That decision has nearly split the world Anglican Communion, which includes Episcopalians.

To calm tensions, Episcopal leaders three years ago had urged restraint by dioceses considering gay candidates for bishop. No openly gay bishops have been consecrated since then.