ORIGINAL TEXT

Resolution D054

Title:   Rites Supporting Relationships of Mutuality and Fidelity

Topic:   Liturgy

Committee:   26. Special Legislative Committee

House of Initial Action:   Bishops

Proposer:   The Rev. Katherine M. Lehman (California)

Resolved, the House of _____ concurring, That this 75th General Convention, desiring to support relationships of mutuality and fidelity which mediate the grace of God between those persons for who, the celebration and blessing of a marriage is not available, directs the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to prepare for study and consideration by the 76th General Convention rites for inclusion in the Book of Occasional Services by means of which the Church may express that support; and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music submit a report on its progress to the Executive Council no later than September 2007, and publish rites for discussion no later than September 2008.
 


EXPLANATION

Resolution D039sa, Human Sexuality: Issues Related to Sexuality and Relationships, was adopted at the 73rd General Convention.  That resolution acknowledged that "there are currently couples in the Body of Christ in this Church who are living in marriage and couples in the Body of Christ in this Church who are living in other life-long committed relationships."  D039sa also expressed the intention of the Church to provide for all its members "in such relationships" "the prayerful support, encouragement and pastoral care necessary to live faithfully" so that their lives together might be characterized by "fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God."  The Episcopal Church is a liturgical church.  Liturgy is a vital and central way that we in the Body of Christ provide pastoral care and prayerful support to Church members.  There is currently no rite authorized by General Convention expressing support for couples in life-long committed relationships of mutuality and fidelity other than marriage.  Development and authorization by General Convention of such rites would not preclude diocesan bishops from authorizing other rites to meet the particular needs of their dioceses.