Church Task Force on Study of Marriage Releases Initial Report of its Work

The Church Task Force on the Study of Marriage, enabled by Resolution A050 at the 2012 General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, today issued a report on its work so far.

"We’re making enormous progress on the broad charge we’ve been given, thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of our members and those with whom we are already in conversation. This is a conversation and study whose time has obviously come, and we are grateful to be part of it," said the Rev. Brian C. Taylor, chair of the task force.  "We are hopeful that the broad circle of input we are gathering will help empower the Episcopal Church in its ongoing mission to be Christ’s light to the world in our day."

The resolution, which calls for a comprehensive look at the church's understanding of what marriage is, was born out of questions uncovered by the the work of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to develop a rite for the blessing of same-sex relationships, as charged by the previous General Convention in 2009, approved at Indianapolis and placed into use on the first Sunday of Advent.  Approximately 2/3 of the dioceses in the church have adopted it for use in some fashion.

Read the full report here.