Washington Cathedral embraces same-sex marriages

Washington National Cathedral

wikipedia-Carol M. High...

The Washington National Cathedral, one of the highest-profile churches in the US, begins hosting same-sex weddings. 

A key moment in the process of allowing to host gay marriages in the church came in July 2012, when the Episcopal Church approved a ceremony for same-sex union at its General Convention in Indianapolis. The move was followed by the legalization of gay marriage in the state of Maryland, which joined the District of Columbia and eight other states. 

"If all of us open ourselves to the fullness and diversity of our nation's many voices, we will learn to walk together in a new way," said the Very Reverend Gary Hall, adding that the Episcopal Diocese of Washington was "a leader in the implementation of marriage equality". 

The Washington National Cathedral has hosted several presidential inaugural services and welcomed dignitaries such as the Rev Martin Luther King Jr, South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, a Muslim cleric. 

Funerals of former Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and General Ford were also held there.