# Roundup: Same-sex unions, Stronger Futures, South Sudan, asylum seekers, Narooma

> The US Episcopal Church has approved a liturgy for clergy to use in blessing same-sex unions, including gay marriages in states where they are legal, becoming the largest US religious denomination to approve such a ritual.

12 July 2012 · News

Canonical: https://insights1.uca.org.au/articles/roundup-same-sex-unions-stronger-futures-south-sudan-asylum-seekers-narooma/

## [US Episcopal Church approves blessing of same-sex unions](https://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2012/07/11/u-s-episcopal-church-approves-blessing-of-same-sex-unions/)

The US Episcopal Church has approved a liturgy for clergy to use in blessing same-sex unions, including gay marriages in states where they are legal, becoming the largest US religious denomination to approve such a ritual.

## [Stronger Futures: our present blindness](https://www.thewaysidechapel.com/inner-circle.php)

When history is formed, it comforts me to know that I stood in a church that was straining with intelligent engagement in all of this and spoke with a loud dissenting voice.

## [Refugees and the role of religious groups](https://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2012/07/11/2966921.htm)

If churches are to partner with the state, they must also stretch their imagination and political commitments beyond the borders of the nation-state and the national rhetoric that accompanies debates on immigration.

## [Boat people un-Christian?](https://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2012/07/11/3543738.htm)

More politicians should pay attention to the moral implications of the policies they have to determine.

## [Same-sex marriage](https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/religionandethicsreport/same-sex-marriage-divides-churches/4124104)

Church leaders remain divided on the issue.

## [Do we need a ‘Ricky’s Place’ in Narooma?](https://www.naroomanewsonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/do-we-need-a-rickys-place-in-narooma/2620758.aspx)

A public meeting has been called to see if the community thinks Narooma needs its own “Ricky’s Place” modelled on the community outreach centre of the same name in Bega.

## [South Sudan faces economic disaster as cost of independence bites](https://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/jul/09/south-sudan-economic-disaster-independence)

A year on from independence, with oil production shut down, the government in Juba could run out of money very soon.