6 Episcopalian Bishops Unanimously Oppose Prop 8

The top Episcopalian bishops in California held a press conference to announce their united opposition to a November ballot measure that would eliminate the right to marry for gay and lesbian couples.

The bishops argued that preserving the right of gays and lesbians to marry would enhance the "Christian values" of monogamy, love and commitment.

"We believe that continued access to civil marriage for all, regardless of sexual orientation, is consistent with the best principles of our constitutional rights," said the Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Bruno, flanked at a news conference by fellow clergy members and gay and straight couples, added: "We do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage."

The statement was signed by The Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus (Bishop of California), The Rt. Rev. Barry L. Beisner (Bishop of Northern California), The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno (Bishop of Los Angeles), The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves (Bishop of El Camino Real), The Rt. Rev. Jerry A. Lamb (Provisional Bishop of San Joaquin) and The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes (Bishop of San Diego).