On Friday, the Episcopal Church reached a
compromise on marriage equality by passing a resolution allowing bishops to bless ("provide generous pastoral response") same-sex unions.
Although the blessings are considered separate from marriage, which the church still defines as between a man and a woman, the resolution gives clergy, especially in states where marriage equality is recognized, a way to serve gay members of their congregations.
The resolution, passed by almost 3/4 of votes, provides for a church-wide collection
Fred Phelps and his despised Westboro Baptist Church plan a return to Iowa on July 24th for stops in Waukee, Ames and Marshalltown. The group is known for picketing military funerals, anti-gay venom and anti-Semitism. 
