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The LGBT Ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of California
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During the year since the Diocese of California approved these Liturgical Resources at our 158th Convention in 2007, the State of California has seen important changes in the legal status of marriage. In May, the California Supreme Court ruled that denying marriage to same sex couples violated the State’s Constitution, and thousands of same-sex couples were lawfully wed; in November, voters approved a Constitutional amendment limiting marriage to male-female couples; and several legal challenges to that vote are pending today. These shifts exemplify a broad debate about marriage and union in civil society. Across North America, Europe and other continents, secular governments have increasingly accorded same sex couples legal status, while opponent groups have countered both with religious arguments and secular legal actions. Such conflict will continue to raise a need for pastoral resources supporting couples’ lifelong commitments. The Book of Common Prayer blesses marriage as a “holy union” (pg. 424), and despite differing perspectives on sexual orientation, the Church has taken consistent spiritual interest in human commitments. While summoning widespread study, listening and discussion, successive General Conventions have affirmed that the local diocese can best respond to its members’ needs, under the Bishop’s guidance and within the framework of Church Constitution and canons. Several Episcopal dioceses have blessed holy unions of same sex couples and couples in special life circumstances, whether quietly or more recently as a matter of open policy. Province I has officially listed available pastoral resources, and Los Angeles Diocesan Convention has passed resolutions on implementation. These embrace the needs of church newcomers, differing cultures, and elderly couples facing legal costs. Likewise our own Diocese of California may now share our experience and resources with the wider Church. We present here the Resources adopted at our 2007 Convention, with some wording changes made both to fit evolving legal shifts, and to convey the common theology and intent of our liturgy within pastoral diversity. We hope these Resources can serve our diocese and others for years to come, and we support all who continue looking into new alternatives for the Church’s ongoing world mission. Bishop’s Advisory Group on Same Sex Blessing December, 2008 |
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