A committee of Episcopal priests from across the nation is coming together in Berkeley, Calif., to piece together what will become the liturgical rite for same-sex marriages.
According to The New York Times, the development of the rite is a multifaceted process, requiring theological essays, advice to priests, Bible passages, and a “series of original prayers.” At present, the theological essay will be drafted by the Reverend Jay Emerson Johnson from the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Ministry at the Pacific School of Religion. The essay advising those in the practice is in the hands of two priests from Vermont and California who have a long history of conducting same-sex ceremonies.
The Reverend Ruth Meyers, chair of the Episcopal Church’s Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, heads the effort. She explained the significance: “It does acknowledge a fuller participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the church.”
Johnson agreed with the sentiment, though he emphasized, “We’re taking this as an opportunity to offer these resources to the whole church, not just for the sake of gay and lesbian couples but as an opportunity for everybody to reflect theologically on what it means to be in a committed relationship.”
The movement is not wholly supported, however. Some share the opinion of the Reverend Kendall Harmon of South Carolina that blessing same-sex marriages “will cause great fracturing and great pain.”
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