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Blessing Same-Sex Relationships

General Convention 2003 passed resolution C051--which recognizes that "local faith communities are operating within the bounds of our common life as they explore and experience liturgies celebrating and blessing same-sex unions."  General Convention 2006 defeated a resolution that would have implemented a moratorium on rites for blessing same-sex unions.

The following dioceses have official, written policies allowing the blessing of same-sex relationships:

1. Arkansas [PDF]
2. California [PDF]
3. Connecticut
4. Delaware
5. El Camino Real [PDF]
6. Long Island
7. Nevada
8. New Hampshire [Microsoft Word]
9. North Carolina
10. Utah
11. Vermont
12. Washington—Guidelines for Blessings [PDF] & Order of Service [PDF]

A number of other bishops either explicitly or implicitly allow the clergy of their diocese to bless same-sex unions, but do not have official, written policies.  Contact your local Integrity chapter or diocesan network for referrals.

Key Theological Reflections by the National Episcopal Church

• 2003 | Report of the Theology Committee of the House of Bishops [PDF]
• 2000 | The Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music's report to General Convention [PDF]
• 1997 | The Standing Liturgical Commission's report to General Convention
• 1994 | Continuing the Dialog, a pastoral study document approved by the House of Bishops.  Bishop Jack Spong did not feel the report was strong enough in its support for gay and lesbian people, so he put forward A Statement in Koinonia.

Other Reflections & Sample Rites

• 2007 | The Commission on Marriage and Blessing Report to the 158th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California
• 2006 | The Celebration and Blessing of the Covenant of Louise Emerson Brooks and Susan Lynn Russell [PDF]
• 2004 | John Clinton Bradley & Michael Warren Hopkins' Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant Relationship [PDF]
• 2003 | Claiming the Blessing theology paper [PDF]
• 2003 | True Union in the Body? [PDF]
• 2003 | Diocese of New Westminster Rite [PDF]
• 1999-2001 | Diocese of New Westminster Discussion Papers
• 1998 | Mark Allen Martin & Michael Randy Sitton's Ceremony [Microsoft Word]
• 1996 | Report of the Second Consultation of Episcopalians on Same-Sex Unions
• Various dates | Beyond Inclusion

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