Episcopal Church expected to OK liturgy for same-sex couples (LA Times)

[pinto]

Episcopal Church expected to OK liturgy for same-sex couples

by Laura J. Nelson

Sixteen years after allowing gays and lesbians to become priests, the Episcopal Church appears poised to introduce a rite that would specifically bless the unions of same-sex couples.

If the liturgy is approved, which is expected, Episcopalians will become the first major denomination to endorse such a ritual for homosexual couples.

On its face, the blessing seems similar to that of a marriage rite -- including “I do,” “we have gathered together today” and an exchange of rings. Notably absent are the words “husband,” “wife” and “marriage.”

Supporters of the liturgy emphasize that the rite would acknowledge and bless same-sex unions, but would not sanctify them as marriage in most states. Churches in states where gay marriage is legal -- six, as well as Washington, D.C. -- have had the option of blessing gay marriage, but do not currently use a formal liturgy.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/

[CurtEastPoint]

1. More specific link here:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-episcopalian-same-sex-blessing-07052012,0,7016699.story

[pinto]

2. Thanks.

[cbayer]

3. Kudos for their moves on this.

I went to my best friend's wedding a few years ago. It was really interesting how they changed the wording for the ceremony.

BTW, they both wore rather traditional gowns and had a killer reception.

Best. Wedding. Ever.

[Geoff R. Casavant]

4. I am very excited about this.

My church in Houston has been selected as one of the first in Texas to use the new liturgy when it is developed.

A lot of our church members have an informal betting pool as to which of our many long-standing gay and lesbian couples will get to the altar first.

And I plan to be there with them -- to watch and participate if possible, or to engage the protestors if necessary.

[cbayer]

5. That is way cool and in Texas no less (Austin?)

Good luck on the pool. I bet the first wedding will be an incredible event.

[pinto]

6. Kudos.

[pinto]

7. Beyond the specifics, the terminology or the denomination, I think that public perception is a key.

We see it all the time, in venues large and small. Political, economic, religious, personal. Perceptions play a part in real time. There's a famous quote to the point, iirc.

That some organized religious groups have been so effective in fostering a negative perception of gays speaks to that. I appreciate this step made by the Episcopal church.