The national issue of recognizing same sex unions in various Christian churches is receiving local attention at Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church, 208 W. Foster Ave.

The church opened its doors to guest Rev. Michael Hopkins on Saturday and yesterday to discuss the issue of developing a liturgical blessing for same sex couples in the Episcopal Church nationwide. This issue will be voted on at the church's general convention in July.

Hopkins is a priest from Glenn Dale, Md., and the president of Integrity. Integrity is a national organization operating within the Episcopal Church that advocates liturgical blessings for same sex couples when marriage is not an option. The local chapter of Integrity, which operates at Saint Andrew's, invited Hopkins to the area to discuss the general convention's plans to reconsider the issue of same-sex unions in the Episcopal Church. The issue was brought up and struck down at the convention in 2000.

The majority of people in attendance during Hopkins's visit supported the blessing for same-sex unions. Parishioner Bob Passow is a member of Integrity who said State College is a community interested in welcoming same sex unions.

"In the Centre region, I think there's a lot of interest in solving this issue," he said.

Passow met Hopkins two years ago when he performed a commitment ceremony for Passow's son and his partner. He said many of the members of Integrity are parents of gays and lesbians. Hopkins said because the Episcopal Church does not nationally recognize the ceremony he performed for Passow's son, it is only valid at his church in Glenn Dale.

"We're not asking anybody to violate their conscience," Hopkins said. "But we want people to recognize the right for same-sex couples to have their relationships recognized."

Hopkins stressed education as a means of making a more open environment for gays and lesbians in the community. "I think in towns like State College, it's going to be the default setting to not be welcoming [to] gays and lesbians," he said. He added that this mindset has the ability to change over time with the presence of local activist groups like Integrity, as well as through efforts of on-campus student groups.

Passow said St. Andrew's church works with the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to educate the public and win equality.

Hopkins is optimistic about the resolution passing this year at the general convention, because of the church's previous open attitude toward gays and lesbians. "I think the Episcopal Church is poised to be a leader in changing this issue," Hopkins said.

Hopkins was ordained as an openly gay priest in 1989, and said he is among other openly gay priests who have been ordained in the church. Parishioner Marcia Pomeroy said same-sex unions should be recognized because "it's a different time and different day."

Hopkins said this blessing would not redefine the marriage, which will continue to encompass a heterosexual union.