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Berkeley Episcopal Committee Begins Preparation of Gay Liturgy


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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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Reader Comments
  • Name: Peter
    Date posted: 8/3/2010 8:37:50 AM
    Hometown: Hong Kong

    Comment:

    Kendall Harmon of South Carolina claims that blessing same-sex marriages “will cause great fracturing and great pain.” So be it. I'd be overjoyed to see such useless, opressive bigots fracture and live with great pain - just like the great fracture and great pain they've been cosistently and persistently causing the oppressed. A taste of your own flavour, Kendall.

  • Name: Robbie
    Date posted: 7/31/2010 5:57:14 PM
    Hometown: Seattle

    Comment:

    As a former Catholic who is now aghast at the recent events in the Catholic Church, I am so thrilled that the Episcopal Church is moving forward to take care of and minister to all of God's children, despite the complaints of fundamentalist Episcopals/Anglicans. I was around in 1991, when a secret group of Anglicans in BC, Canada, wanted to switch allegiance to the Catholic Church because the conservatives were upset with the ordination of female priests. Now this same group is upset with the ministry to gay couples and the ordination of gay bishops and priests. I say that the Episcopal/ Anglican Church should continue to pray and discern where the the Spirit leads us, and move forward in sharing God's love for everyone. There are no second-class citizens in God's universe. The Anglicans in Africa will never be satisfied, even when called on the carpet for their practicies promoting polygamy and female circumcision. Leave the bigots behind, and let the church continue its progress.

  • Name: CountryBoy
    Date posted: 7/31/2010 8:55:36 AM
    Hometown: MO

    Comment:

    Reverend Harmons concerns about S-S marriage causing 'great pain', are overstated. The only ones who'll feel 'pain' by this, are the BIGOTS! It will be just fine with everyone else.

  • Name: Mark
    Date posted: 7/30/2010 5:31:51 PM
    Hometown: Seattle

    Comment:

    It is well high time for this to happen. Even though my husband and I were indeed married in an Episcopal church, there was no set liturgy at that time. I'm hoping that we can have that liturgy for all of those coming in the future so that they can see and know the true love that exists in many Episcopal churches.



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