Tag: st. clare ecumenical catholic community

Pope Francis’ declaration this week allowing priests to bless same-sex couples is being hailed in Spokane as a shift by advocates of softening the church’s doctrine on the issue while more conservative faith leaders are quick to point out the gulf between blessings and more formal and unchanged rules regarding ceremonies such as marriage.

The Rev. Tom Altepeter of St. Clare Ecumenical Catholic Community, a church he once described as a "a homeless shelter for homeless Catholics," was selected as the first bishop-elect for the region on Sept. 28 and will be the sixth regional bishop in the ECC.