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Arcus Foundation

Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation

Blessing Same-Gender Relationships

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

1. Arkansas [PDF]
2. Bethlehem
3. California [PDF]
4. Connecticut
5. Delaware
6. El Camino Real [PDF]
7. Hawai'i* [PDF]
8. Long Island
9. Los Angeles--Service for the Sacramental Blessing of a Life-Long Covenant [PDF] & Questions and Answers [PDF]
10. Maryland*
11. Massachusetts*
12. Nevada
13. New Hampshire [Microsoft Word]
14. North Carolina
15. San Diego*
16. Southern Ohio* [PDF, scroll to bottom of page 8]
17. Utah
18. Vermont*
19. Washington—Guidelines for Blessings [PDF] & Order of Service [PDF]

*Policy change since passage of D056 during General Convention 2009

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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