Integrity USA thanks Bishop Mariann Budde for her support.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Will “allow and encourage” clergy to officiate at
civil marriage ceremonies
WASHINGTON, D. C., MARCH
1—The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of
Washington, released a statement today on the signing of the Civil Marriage
Protection Act in the state of Maryland. Her diocese includes the Maryland
counties of Montgomery, Prince George’s, Charles and Saint Mary’s. The statement
follows:
“I congratulate the Maryland
legislature and Governor Martin O'Malley for their courageous and persistent
efforts to ensure marriage equity for all Maryland citizens. As soon as the
Civil Marriage Protection Act is enacted and same-gender couples can be married
in the eyes of the state, I will allow and encourage Episcopal clergy in the
Diocese of Washington to preside at such ceremonies, asking that they bring to
this ministry the same spiritual intention and pastoral care provided to
heterosexual couples seeking marriage in the Church.
“Not all Episcopal clergy
and congregations support same-gender marriage, and in no way do I intend to
force this issue upon them. But for those who feel called to offer the
sacramental and spiritual support of the Church to same-gender couples seeking
marriage, I gladly give consent and the authority to do so.”
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Jim Naughton
Canticle Communications
202.288.5125
PO Box 5959
Takoma Park, MD 20913
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