Bishop Curry: Episcopal Church to continue support for gay marriage despite suspension

The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church has announced that the denomination of the church will not cease its support for gay marriage following its three years suspension by the Anglican Communion last week.

Bishop Michael Curry told the media that he spoke about the sanctions imposed on the denomination.

"They heard from me directly that that's not something that we're considering," he told The Associated Press on Friday.

"They basically understand we made our decision, and this is who we are, and we're committed to being a house of prayer for all," he added.

He also emphasized that he still hoped to work towards unity in the Anglican Church despite the different points of views on the issue.

"We are loyal members of the Anglican Communion, but we need to say we must find a better way," he said.

Last Thursday, the leaders of the Anglican body announced that they were suspending The Episcopal Church because of its "violation" in 2015 to allow same-sex marriage.

In an official statement, the Anglican body reiterated that the doctrine of the Church mentions marriage between a man and woman only.

"The traditional doctrine of the Church in view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of those gathered reaffirm this teaching." the statement wrote.

"Recent developments in The Episcopal Church with respect to a change in their Canon on marriage represent a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our provinces on the doctrine of marriage. Possible developments in other provinces could further exacerbate this situation."