After years of work by Integrity USA and its allies, The
Episcopal Church approved a Rite for the Blessing of a Same-Sex Relationship at
the 2012 General Convention. The Rite is now available in a final format - click here for just the rite, or click here to buy a full book with the Rite and the other liturgical
resources.
The Church has authorized the use of this service - depending on
the assent of each diocesan bishop - beginning Advent I (December 2) of 2012.
Does your diocese have policies allowing (or not allowing) this rite, or
same-sex marriage? Please
email us the information so that we can create a record of what’s
happening across the country.
Is your parish considering whether to have these blessings in your church? One resource you might find helpful is from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Click here to read their story, watch a video, and find links to additional resources.
The Standing
Commission on Liturgy and Music developed a tremendous resource which is not
yet published but is still available online in the Blue Book on the 2012 General Convention website.
It
includes a section on canon law, a pastoral resource section, particularly the
declaration of intention and the model congregational guidelines.
In
addition, Gary Hall, Dean of the National Cathedral and Ruth Meyers
of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific edited a study guide
entitled Christian Holiness and Human Sexuality, which doesn’t directly address these particular
resources but is intended to help Episcopalians reflect on the subject more
broadly.
If you, your clergy or bishop want to go even
deeper, CDSP is hosting a week-long discussion of the blessing and its
implementation as part of its 2013 Epiphany West program, January 21- 25.
Are
you and your sweetheart getting blessed?
Send us a photo and tell us your experience. Integrity will be participating in
providing feedback for consideration by the next General Convention.
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