The Waiting List

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200

Names: Laura Brown and Fawn Pettigrew
Congregation_Parish: St. James, Huntington Parish, in Bowie
Diocese: Washington DC
City_State: Bowie MD
Email_Address: Lgbwvu@aol.com
Years_Together: 20
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 24, 2008

Comments

Both partners rotate bring on Vestry - one past Senior Warden; one past treasurer. One partner youth group leader and Sunday School Teacher. Other partner very involved in worship committee. We have a twelve year old son.

199

Names: Barbi Click & Debbie Wheeler
Congregation_Parish: Christ Church Cathedral
Diocese: Missouri
City_State: St. Louis MO
Email_Address: bgclick@gmail.com
Years_Together: 23
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 18, 2008

Comments

Now, we are in a welcoming parish and diocese. We recently moved from the Diocese of Fort Worth, where even in parishes that 'welcome' there is still a great deal of "Don't ask/Don't tell" -

198

Names: Nathan and James
Congregation_Parish: St. James
Diocese: Utah
City_State: Salt Lake City, Utah
Email_Address: sirjamesbelmont@comcast.net
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: February 03, 2008

Comments

Update from June, 2001 (we were number 95 on the waiting list.) After years of hard work, our bishop authorized the writing of liturgies for use at the Blessing of a Holy Union. Integrity Utah, along with clergy from the diocese, created three liturgies for parish use. Simultaneously, our parish studied the idea, and determined to authorize a blessing of our union. Nearly 200 people attended our Holy Union on September 25, 2004. We met at St. James, and have been active parishioners there for over eight years. Our parish has continued to bless and honor our relationship, and has recognized us on each anniversary.

197

Names: Rebekah/Gail
Congregation_Parish: St. Philip's
Diocese: North Carolina
City_State: Durham NC
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 15
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: September 21, 2007

Comments

As far as I know, we received the first "official" same sex union blessing in the Episcopal Diocese of NC. St. P's former rector took me and my pregnant partner aside, noted that he's still a bit old-fashioned and, consequently, felt strongly that our union should be blessed before our son was born. So, with the Bishop's knowledge, if not approval, my partner and I were blessed in the St. Philip's sanctuary on 8-14-04 (about a month before our child was due). All clergy were involved, about 150 witnesses took communion and all enjoyed a reception in the parish hall. All St. P communicants were welcome, and quite a few attended, but publicity was intentionally avoided.

196

Names: Robert Ryan and Ralph Martinelli
Congregation_Parish: St Michael's Cathedral
Diocese: Boise, ID
City_State: Boise, ID
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 27, 2007

Comments

195

Names: Frank Dowd and Douglas Ball
Congregation_Parish: MCC Naples and St. Monica's, Naples
Diocese: Southwest Florida
City_State: Naples Florida
Email_Address: dcfrank@aol.com
Years_Together: 25
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 09, 2007

Comments

To celebrate our 25th year of relationship we got legally married in Toronto, Canada at Toronto MCC. After the passage of B-033 at General Convention in 2006 we decided to put our energy into the Metropolitan Community Church in Naples instead of the Episcopal Church. We think of ourselves as C & E Episcopalians at St. Monica's and we are members of Naples Integrity. Recently Integrity Naples met with our new coadjutor bishop but unfortunately the words "congratulations on your marriage" did not pass his lips, although the chapter gave us a lovely crystal ice-bucket as a wedding present. Interesting experience. I really wasn't expecting anything from him so I guess he didn't disappoint. Hang in there good folks of Integrity and consider dipping into MCC now and then for a shot of spiritual energy and renewal if you can't get it at your local parish!

194

Names: Buck Smith & Wayne Nolen
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul's Memorial Church
Diocese: Virginia
City_State: Charlottesville, Virginia
Email_Address: grdnsmith@earthlinkmail.com
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 07, 2007

Comments

193

Names: Marvin Vann and Sam Bray
Congregation_Parish: St. Christopher
Diocese: Fort Worth
City_State: Fort Worth, TX
Email_Address: marvin_vann@msn.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: June 13, 2007

Comments

Former member of St. Christopher, Fort Worth, and St. Thomas, Dallas. We left the Episcopal Church, in order to join a local congregation of the United Church of Christ, in which we celebrated our holy union last summer, with our pastor presiding.

192

Names: Julie Vice/Susi Jacobo
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Sacramento, Ca
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 04, 2007

Comments

I am currently a vestry member, member of the choir and many other facets of the church. Please let me be fully included! -Julie

191

Names: John-Albert Mosel
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Church
Diocese: Connecticut
City_State: Hartford, CT
Email_Address: john-albert.moseley@yale.edu
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 16, 2006

Comments

We are wondering why our Bishop has not yet approved Rites for Same Sex unions. He voted for Gene, but has remained silet since the Summer. Hopefully he will make a comment at the CT General Convention in late October, 2006.

190

Names: Michael M. and Fred D.
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Holy Apostles
Diocese: Pennsylvania
City_State: Penn Wynne, PA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: September 15, 2006

Comments

Our priest and parish were very supportive. Several members of the parish attended to support us. It a wonderful and loving parish community.

189

Names: The Rev. Laine Calloway and Jane Kniffin
Congregation_Parish: formerly St. John's Marion
Diocese: Western North Carolina
City_State:
Email_Address: lcaloway1@charter.net
Years_Together:
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: September 04, 2006

Comments

The parish where I was assigned denied us the use of the church for our wedding...however... We had a wonderful ecumenical service at Unity. The Episcopal Church needs do do its work, and needs our prayers.

188

Names: Rene' Ruecker & Susan Moore
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Episcopal
Diocese: Los Angeles
City_State: Santa Barbara CA
Email_Address: my_anamcara@msn.com
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 31, 2006

Comments

Celebration of Holy Matrimony, 20 May 2006, Rev Mark Asman, Rector, and Rev Jennifer Beal, priest in LA Dio. Active pledging parishioners who would be MUCH more involved but we have to drive a long way to Trinity. Susan, please note: We would like to start LGBT Cursillo or equivalent format.

187

Names: The Rev. Debra K. Bullock and Ms. Andrea M. Nowack
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Transfiguration
Diocese: Chicago
City_State: Palos Park, IL
Email_Address: dbullock@transfigpalos.org
Years_Together: 5+
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 19, 2006

Comments

We are grateful to have been members of a number of supportive and welcoming congregations prior to Debra's ordination. Our current congregation has also been very welcoming. We are looking forward to having our union blessed when the national church authorizes an official rite; until then, we are confident that our partnership is blessed by God.

186

Names: Jeffrey and Robby
Congregation_Parish: Trinity
Diocese: Missouri
City_State: St. Louis, MO
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 05, 2006

Comments

185

Names: Lisa Shablin & Cindy Barr
Congregation_Parish: St. Peter's Episcopal
Diocese: Newark, New Jersey
City_State: Mt. Arlington, New Jersey
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 03, 2006

Comments

We had a ceremony performed in 2003 in Tortola, British Virgin Islands by a non-denominational minister. At that time, we were not formally a member of any church, but recently joined the Episcopal Church in our town. We find the congregation to be welcoming and supportive of us as a same-sex couple and we are lucky to be a member of a parish within the Diocese of Newark which is one of the more liberal and progressive dioceses within the ECUSA.

184

Names: Jill Sanford/Sandra Lawrensens
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul's Cathedral
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: San Diego, CA
Email_Address: jsanford@dor.ca.gov
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 27, 2006

Comments

We are registered Domestic Partners. We realize other churches in CA. would offer a blessing to us but it is important to both of us that it be at our "home" church, when possible.

183

Names: Susan taylor & Angie griffin
Congregation_Parish: St Barts Atlanta
Diocese: Atlanta
City_State: Atlanta,GA
Email_Address: susdecaur04@aol.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 23, 2006

Comments

182

Names: Bert and Terri
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Rochester
City_State: Rochester, New York
Email_Address: tlraroberts@usadatanet.net
Years_Together: 20
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 18, 2005

Comments

June 28, 2003, we had a Civil Union in an Episcopal Church in Vermont on our 18th anniversary of being together. Needing the requirements of premarital counseling, Vermont Diocese told us to go to our local Diocese for counseling. After contacting Rochester, we were instructed to give our local church a chance. We ended up taking our Rector up to Vermont. Along with the Rector from that church, the two of them performed the dream of our lives! Our ceremony is now being incorporated into the Diocese of Vermont. First and most important, we would like to thank both of them for undertaking in our dreams. Second of all, two years later, we sit silently in the midst of great controversy. Through this, we only hope and pray that someday, we ALL may be treated as a couple and not as spectators.

181

Names: Steve & Nelson
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Cathedral
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Sacramento, Ca.
Email_Address: sskiffin011@comcast.net
Years_Together: 23
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 24, 2005

Comments

We are both very involved in the congregation, and very out there. We're waiting to be offically recognized as a couple: ie: A fromal blessing ceremony.

180

Names: Micheal Mpagi Kirumira and James
Congregation_Parish: Uganda Kampala Eastafrica
Diocese: Uganda Kampala
City_State: Uganda Kampala
Email_Address: mmkirumira@rediff.com
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: February 16, 2005

Comments

Its not easy here in Africa Uganda,where the church ex-comunicated us,we only haver on retired Bishop who is open gay rights activisit,he is called Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo,we each day go through discrimination,hatred and humiliation,its my hope that the church in USA can consider us too.

179

Names: Don McCleary and Michael O'Connell
Congregation_Parish: St Mary's Episcopal Church
Diocese: Southwest Florida
City_State: Bonita Springs, FL
Email_Address: don-mike@comcast.net
Years_Together: 19+
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 02, 2005

Comments

178

Names: Theodore Holder and Johannes van den Heuvel
Congregation_Parish: St. Mark's, Little Rock
Diocese: Arkansas
City_State: Little Rock, Arkansas
Email_Address: heuvel@swbell.net
Years_Together: 13.75
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: December 06, 2004

Comments

Very involved. Ted confirmed when we first got together; Joe (Johannes) confirmed the next year. Ted-chalice bearer, LEM and verstry member. Joe-lector, outreach committee, other committees.

177

Names: Elizabeth Bennett, Sara Luther
Congregation_Parish: St Thomas, Denver..grew up and married -Church of Our Redeemer,Lexington MA
Diocese: Colorado
City_State: Denver, COlorado
Email_Address: eliza500@aol.com
Years_Together: 21
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: November 04, 2004

Comments

Marriage in Massachusetts in church, blessed by priest, pronounced by justice of peace...2004...after 21 years, 5 children---and it meant more than we could have dreamed.

176

Names: Amy and Kimberly
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Los Angeles
City_State: Los Angeles, California
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 21, 2004

Comments

We were married in San Francisco and would like to be blessed by the Church or a representative of the Church.

175

Names: Michael & Timothy
Congregation_Parish: Cathedral of St. Phillip
Diocese: Atlanta
City_State: Atlanta, GA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 19, 2004

Comments

We found a Roman Catholic priest who performed our Holy Union. It was held in a Presbyterian Church, but it was a full, high Catholic Mass with all the smells and bells. It was beautiful and performed on the actual date of our 10th anniversary.

174

Names: The Rev. Aimee Delevett and Alyson Eyer
Congregation_Parish: St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Diocese: Chicago
City_State: Park Ridge, IL
Email_Address: smecaimee@sbcglobal.net
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 09, 2004

Comments

We had a commitment ceremony 5 years ago. However, we were unable to find any ordained religious leader willing to officiate. As a result, we gathered in a community of our family and friends and had a Quaker style ceremony. Certainly, the cermony was religious in nature, and the authrotiy that bound us together before God was the community gathered. However, neither my local congregation nor the Episcopal Church, or any other denomination for that matter was involved. Fortunately for us, and for other couples like us, God exists beyond the bounds of denominational confines.

173

Names: George Mile and John Denson
Congregation_Parish: St Marks
Diocese:
City_State: Rixhmond, Virginia
Email_Address: gm23237@comcast.net
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 12, 2004

Comments

172

Names: Rodney V. Ayers and Vincent H. Edwards
Congregation_Parish: St. Matthew's, Wilton, CT and St. Paul's on the Green, Norwalk, CT
Diocese: Connecticut
City_State:
Email_Address: rodney.ayers@saintmatthews.net
Years_Together: 13
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 21, 2004

Comments

We are both church musicians

171

Names: Grace Bullen Sved and Margie Sved
Congregation_Parish: St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Diocese: North Carolina
City_State: Raleigh, North Carolina
Email_Address: gracesved@aol.com
Years_Together: 14
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: May 01, 2004

Comments

We had an interfaith service at St. Mark's. A non-parochial priest helped us develop the service which drew on Episcopal and Jewish wedding ceremonies. The officiants were two friends, one Jewish and one Episcopalian. The Episcopalian at that time was a lay person. Our interim priest stayed out of the ceremony. Our bishop knew in advance we would have the ceremony and that it would be in our parish church and did not object. 235 people attended. I've been involved in my church as a regular attender and communicant, vestry member, LEM, LEV, reader, adult ed occasional presenter, nursery helper, coordinator of 2003 clergy appreciation month, etc. Both of our children were baptized at St. Mark's.

170

Names: Denise Gaul and Alice Collins
Congregation_Parish: St. Andrews Epicopal and St. Micheals Episcopal
Diocese: South Carolina
City_State: Charleston, SC
Email_Address: dmgaul@comcast.net
Years_Together: 6.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 09, 2004

Comments

We are not currently attending our local congregations due to the hostile nature of homophobia present there.

169

Names: Shawn and Roger
Congregation_Parish: All Saints Episcopal Church
Diocese: South Florida
City_State: Fort Lauderdale, FLq
Email_Address: new2ftlaud@hotmail.com
Years_Together: .5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: February 10, 2004

Comments

involved in Integrity Ft. Lauderdale

168

Names: Dave and Gene
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Alabama
City_State:
Email_Address:
Years_Together:
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 27, 2004

Comments

We have been together many years and are accepted in both Episcopal congregations where we worship.

167

Names: John Morse & Neal Mandich
Congregation_Parish: St. Barnabas Church, Arroyo Grande, CA
Diocese: El Camino Real
City_State: Cambria, CA
Email_Address: jmorsecode@aol.com
Years_Together: 4.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 19, 2004

Comments

We are both increasing our activity in our church; serving as greeters, ushers, lectors, Stewardship Committee members and garden-keepers. Our congregation seems to be accepting of us and we are contuining to be invited to join in church activities. Because we are the only gay couple here, we do feel a bit alone....but are hopeful that other GLBT's may join us here. We anticipate a union ceremony at some future date.

166

Names: The Rev. Pamela Werntz and Joy Howard
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul's, Brookline/Church of the Covenant, Boston
Diocese: Massachusetts
City_State: Watertown, MA
Email_Address: plwerntz@hotmail.com, joyhowie@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 15, 2004

Comments

165

Names: Art Engler & Ron Kolanowski
Congregation_Parish: St. Mark's Chapel
Diocese: Connecticut
City_State: Storrs CT
Email_Address: arthurengler@sbcglobal.net
Years_Together: 23
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: December 09, 2003

Comments

Yes -- celebrating 20 years together. The sermon preached by our rector at the ceremony is posted on our (former) parish's website.

164

Names: Robert J. Sauers & D. Oliver Bowman
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephen's
Diocese: South Carolina
City_State: Charleston, South Carolina
Email_Address: sauersb@aol.com & bowmano@aol.com
Years_Together: 30
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 19, 2003

Comments

162

Names: Charles L. Jones, Jeffery A. Ritzler
Congregation_Parish: Christ Church Cathedral
Diocese: Diocese of Lexington
City_State: Lexington, Kentucky
Email_Address: cljar@insightbb.com
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: September 16, 2003

Comments

In the process of joining Christ Church after a couple of years absence, partly because of church not offering blessings of our union. We will wait, until we can have a service, with eucharist in Christ Church Cathedral.

161

Names: Pam Kean & Ginger Miller
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul the Apostle
Diocese: Georgia
City_State: Savannah, Georgia
Email_Address: PKean001@aol.com
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 12, 2003

Comments

160

Names: Barry Nipp and Chas Marks
Congregation_Parish: St. Mary's
Diocese: Western Missouri
City_State: Kansas City, MO
Email_Address: chasmarks@aol.com
Years_Together: 3.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 09, 2003

Comments

159

Names: Joel Flint Michael Wernick
Congregation_Parish: St Stephen
Diocese: Southern Ohio
City_State: Columbus, OH
Email_Address: Jlflnt@yahoo.com; mkwrnck@earthlink.net
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 07, 2003

Comments

158

Names: Victoria & Nicole Smith-Weiland
Congregation_Parish: St. Mary's Episcopal
Diocese: Oregon
City_State: Eugene, OR
Email_Address: vicnnic@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 03, 2003

Comments

157

Names: Mark N. Hinckley and Edward J. Devin
Congregation_Parish: St. Anne's, Damascus, MD
Diocese: Washington
City_State: Germantown, MAryland
Email_Address: markhinckley@earthlink.net
Years_Together: 9.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 30, 2003

Comments

156

Names: Marjorie Dale Weil Shirley Krogstad
Congregation_Parish: THe Cathedral of All Souls
Diocese: Western North Carolina
City_State: Asheville, NC
Email_Address: bugpatch@mchsi.com
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 16, 2003

Comments

Our blessing was held Feb. 2002 at the cathedral. There were eight enthusiastic clergy participating. Many of them retired and from various parts of the country as well as all the staff at that time.. I, Dale, am chair of the fledgling Gay and Lesbian Ministry at the cathedral. Our ceremony of commitment was strengthening and empowering to every aspect of our lives and the acceptance and comingling we feel as a couple in this wonderful loving parish family continues to nourish us. We want this for all committed couples in the Episcopal Church. We see it as a pastoral responsibility rather than a legislated action.

155

Names: Judith Winters and Eileen Ammerman
Congregation_Parish: All Saint's Church
Diocese: Pennsylvania
City_State: Philadelphia PA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 15
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 02, 2003

Comments

154

Names: Shannon and Cole
Congregation_Parish: St John the Divine
Diocese: Springfield
City_State: Champaign, Illinois
Email_Address: slcate@his.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 27, 2003

Comments

We held a secular commitment ceremony on 21 June 2003. We are happy newlyweds, now!

153

Names: Randolph H Moore and Randall A Stinnette
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Holy Comforter
Diocese: Virginia
City_State: Richmond VA
Email_Address: rainyday.richmond@attbi.com
Years_Together: 16
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 20, 2003

Comments

We are both very active pledging members. Randy serves on the worship committee. Randall sings in the choir. Holy Comforter is a loving and welcoming parish that is very supportive of its gay and lesbian members, both single and coupled. Our Rector is very loving and supportive.

152

Names: Brian Fizer and Tim Braughler
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Pittsburgh
City_State: pittsburgh,pa
Email_Address: bpfiz@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 03, 2003

Comments

151

Names: Dan Wiglesworth & Fred Kidd
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Ascension
Diocese: Lexington
City_State: Frankfort KY
Email_Address: kapitalkritter@aol.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: May 15, 2003

Comments

Fred & I are both involved in our local parish in the prayer garden and decorations; as Fred has a degree in Interior design and I a degree in Architecture. We find our work as productive and fruitful both to our inner being and to the Church. Our parish is fairly moderate and tolerant to a point. GLT are welcome and are encouraged to be involved but any aspects of an 'active' personal relationship are to be kept at home. The clergy are not open to gay marriage or blessing. We pray that as the Communion continues to debate this issue and come to terms with it, the attitudes and perceptions of our clergy will change.

150

Names: Ron Samples & Edward J.
Congregation_Parish: St. James
Diocese: East Tennessee
City_State: Knoxville, TN
Email_Address: RDSREJ@cs.com
Years_Together: 3.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 29, 2003

Comments

We had a Civil Union in historic Christ Church in Guilford, Vermont on September 12, 2002. The service was performed by a lay minister as the local priest could only perform Civil Unions for his parish members. The ceremony was based on the Prayer Book Marriage Ceremony and our additions, plus a blessing written by the bishop that married our lay minister's parents. We were quite honored he would share this with us. We could only have one dear friend from MA with us due to the distance from home. It would be so nice to have a blessing by and in a local church but in our hearts we know we have God's blessing.

149

Names: Kate Varnum & Trish Hyde
Congregation_Parish: Christ Episcopal Church
Diocese: Iowa
City_State: Cedar Rapids, IA
Email_Address: katevarnum@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 08, 2003

Comments

148

Names: jan matter/jessie cochrane
Congregation_Parish: St. James, Old Town, ME/Ascension Memorial Church, Ipswich, MA
Diocese: Maine/MA
City_State:
Email_Address: jancanbe03@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 18
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 07, 2003

Comments

147

Names: Peter & Tom
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Milwaukee
City_State: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 02, 2003

Comments

146

Names: Jan Cohn and Esther Stearns
Congregation_Parish: Good Samaritan
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: San Diego Ca
Email_Address: Estearns9@aol.com
Years_Together: 11
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No answer
Date: March 29, 2003

Comments

145

Names: Geoffrey Fowler, Robert Meade
Congregation_Parish: Saint Paul's Cathedral
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: San Diego, CA
Email_Address: yeehaw219@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 11, 2003

Comments

We wait patiently for the day when we can have our relationship recognized in our church in front of friends and loved ones.

144

Names: Jan and Katy Windz
Congregation_Parish: Emmanuel
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Grass Valley, CA
Email_Address: jwindz@earthlink.net
Years_Together: 9
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 05, 2003

Comments

We had a wonderful, eclectic Union ceremony in a friend's back yard. Jan is a Sunday school teacher, LEM, LEV, etc. Katy helps with youth activities also.

143

Names: Robert Boyd & Russell Mortenson
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul's Cathedral
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: San Diego, CA
Email_Address: bobsdcaob@hotmail.com, russm92107@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: February 25, 2003

Comments

Our ceremony was conducted by Rev. Michael Hopkins, assisted by his partner, John Clinton Bradley, on June 2, 2002, at St. George's Church, Glenn Dale, MD. We selected St. George's because (a) it was Bob's parish prior to his move to San Diego and (b) it is a parish within the Diocese of Washington, headed by the former Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral/SD, The Rt. Rev. John Chane, who had been ordained bishop just the day before, June 1. Though he could not attend, Bishop Chane had given us his personal support for receiving the church's blessing in his diocese.

142

Names: John & Eduardo
Congregation_Parish: Good Shephard, Costa Rica and St. John's Cathedral, Puerto Rico
Diocese: Puerto Rico and now Costa Rica
City_State:
Email_Address: galanses@racsa.co.cr
Years_Together: 3.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: February 25, 2003

Comments

I don't see this happenning soon in Puerto Rico or Costa Rica and hope UCUSA can lead the way and provide the opportunity we have been searching for.

141

Names: Katherine Runyon & Dawn Fisher
Congregation_Parish: St. Andrew's
Diocese: Diocese of Michigan
City_State: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Email_Address: KatenDawn@aol.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: February 25, 2003

Comments

I am the Admin. Coordinator of Oasis Ministry Michigan - LGBT Outreach. My partner and I are becoming more and more involved in the Diocese and St. Andrew's Church. We have lead our Evensong services here together. We also sing in the choir together at St. Andrew's.

This past weekend at the Diocese of Michigan Convention we passed the Resolution to add a blessing of same-sexed couples to the Occasional Book of Worship! We hope to be blessed within the next year.

139

Names: Kim Byham & Scott Helsel
Congregation_Parish: All Saints
Diocese: Newark
City_State: Hoboken, New Jersey
Email_Address: kim.byham@nypa.gov/scott.helsel@bmg.com
Years_Together: 18
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: December 17, 2002

Comments

There was a major celebration of our 10th anniversary as part of the 10:00 Sunday service at our then parish, using the aniversary blessing from the BOS. We look forward to a more complete rite for our 20th in 2004!

138

Names: Karen Kobey and Ellen Stubbs
Congregation_Parish: St. Christopher's
Diocese: Diocese of Minnesota
City_State: Roseville , Minnesota
Email_Address: stonefly5@msn.com
Years_Together: 18
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: December 12, 2002

Comments

We are both Episcopalians and members in good standing of our church. Though our clergy and most fellow members are aware of and support us as a couple , we await official recognition.

137

Names: Lee Petty and Dennis Tarkington
Congregation_Parish: Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Diocese: Alabama
City_State: Rainbow City, Alabama
Email_Address: dwtrlp@mindspring.com
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: December 12, 2002

Comments

Both sing in choir and serve on Altar Guild. Lee is responsible for flowers and will be nominated for Vestry in upcoming election. Dennis is Steward of Pledges and former vestry member and Senior Warden. We are both members of Integrity/Alabama and are helping to plan an event at our parish in February 2003 to be called "What's all the fuss about?", which will be an open discussion about full inclusion for all in the Episcopal Church. We have also been delegate to our Diocesan convention for the last two years and will attend our third convention as delegates in 2003. All of that said, we are not sure that all in our parish would welcome the blessing of same sex unions. Although we and other gay and lesbian members of our parish feel very accepted and loved, that may be as far as some are willing to go. Only time will tell.

136

Names: Patricia & Dani
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Diocese of NY and Diocese of LI
City_State: New York, NY and Brooklyn, NY
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: November 17, 2002

Comments

July 1998: Both an Episcopal priest and a rabbi officiated, in a D of NY Episcopal church, with both the Cross and the Star of David at the altar. The 60+ attendees included my partner's Conservative/Reform Jewish family from several states, my Episc/atheist/RC/agnostic relatives, and our Episc.-laity, Episc.-clergy, UCC, RC, atheist and agnostic friends. It was a straightforward-but-modified BCP "Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage," with Jewish marriage blessings and prayers -- your usual interfaith wedding. The organ prelude was interfaith; the hymns included both Hymnal 1982 selections and "Hatikvah" (the Israeli anthem). A Hadassah-president cousin read the OT in English and Hebrew; an Episc.-ordination-aspirant read the Epistle. It was followed by a wedding reception that featured both "EpiscoFood"" (wine, cheese, crudites, watercress, crustless bread, butter, fruit) and a kosher-catered banquet (pastrami, corned beef, rye bread, lox, condiments, and home-baked desserts, thanks to my partner's 90-year-old aunt). [Guess which foods were most popular?] My partner was already in the conversion process at the time --something that long preceded our relationship -- and was baptized/confirmed one year later. However, it was important that we honor all "roots" in this service.

135

Names: Fred Ellis and Jerry Rigdon
Congregation_Parish: St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church
Diocese: Diocese
City_State: Dallas, TX.
Email_Address: fellis@sbcglobal.net & jerrig2@sbcglobal.net
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: November 03, 2002

Comments

Blessing with exchange of vows, rings, and a celebration of the Eucharist in our parish. We are both active in our parish. Jerry is one of the greeters. Fred serves as a LEM, layreader, and delegate to diocesan convention. He is also a lay alternate deputy for the Diocese of Dallas to General Convention.

134

Names: Mary Johnson & Pat Gonser
Congregation_Parish: St. Thomas
Diocese: Central Gulf Coast
City_State: Citronelle Alabama
Email_Address: mary@mj-pg.com, pat@mj-pg.com
Years_Together: 4.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: October 28, 2002

Comments

We were our own officiants. Gathered with a few friends to celebrate. The vows were BCP vows with our own additions. See www.pj-pg.com/wedding.htm

133

Names: John S. Morgan and Paul Campbell
Congregation_Parish: All Saints
Diocese: Fort Worth
City_State: Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Email_Address: DrSwiney@aol.com
Years_Together: 32
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 27, 2002

Comments

132

Names: Susan Craw & Maggy Holmes
Congregation_Parish: Christ Church Episcopal
Diocese: Nevada
City_State: Las Vegas, NV
Email_Address: scrawret@earthlink.net
Years_Together: 16
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 24, 2002

Comments

Maggy is active in the local congregation serving as a lector & LEM and also singing in the choir. Susan is the Integrity Network Coordinator for the Diocese of NV.

131

Names: The Rev. Eleanor McLaughlin, Dr. Elizabeth P. Hess
Congregation_Parish: St. Banabas, Berlin
Diocese: New Hampshire
City_State: Berlin, New hampshire
Email_Address: mchess@ncia.net
Years_Together: 11
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 19, 2002

Comments

We can get our relationship blessed, but want a rite approved and accepted by the full body of the Episcopal Church.

130

Names: Wesley Lunsford & John Robison
Congregation_Parish: All Saints Parish
Diocese: Diocese of Texas
City_State: Austin, Texas
Email_Address: wlunsford@yahoo.com & desiderius00@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 18, 2002

Comments

My partner and I are very active in our parish. We both serve on the Altar Guild and John teaches Sunday School and Confirmation while I often serve as an acolyte. We both hope and pray for the day when we can celebrate and bless our union in the Episcopal Church.

129

Names: David Lyle and Douglas Murray
Congregation_Parish: Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville
Diocese: Tennessee
City_State: Nashville, Tennessee
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 11
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

128

Names: Brenda McCreightf & Sonja Lindquist
Congregation_Parish: St. John
Diocese:
City_State: Ladysmith, BC
Email_Address: brenda-mc@shaw.ca
Years_Together: 19
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

We attend church weekly. Ten of our children and two of our grandchildren attend the Sunday school and youth group. We volunteer for church activities such as cleaning, helping with the yearly bazaar. etc We are not having a committment ceremony, we want a marriage, in our church.

127

Names: Teri Foster & Donna Allen
Congregation_Parish: St. Thomas Church, Knoxville, TN
Diocese: East Tennessee
City_State: Knoxville, TN
Email_Address: tafoster2002@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 14
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

We had a celebration of our relationship after 10 years of being together. It was at our home with 20 friends and family. Many Integrity members were present. We used an adaptation of the Prayer Book Service. We "married" each other, with the blessing of the group. No priest was present. Our bishop forbids clergy from blessing relationships. I am an active member of the parish and the rector is one of the co-chaplains of Integrity.

126

Names: Dennis Engel and James Breen
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul's Cathedral
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: San Diego CA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 13
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

May the peace of Christ be with you.

125

Names: Caroline Malone and Donna Hankins
Congregation_Parish: Integrity
Diocese:
City_State: Knoxville, Tennessee
Email_Address: cmalone@ktown.com
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

We had a legal civil union in Bennington, Vermont this summer.

124

Names: Ron & Francesco
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Olympia
City_State: WA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

123

Names: Jonathan & David Abernethy-Deppe
Congregation_Parish: Grace Cathedral
Diocese: California
City_State: San Francisco
Email_Address: aberdep@pacbell.net
Years_Together: 14
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

Troy Perry officiated at our Holy Union in an MCC congregation, where we were co-pastors, in 1991 in Hinsdale, a Chicago suburb. We have been attending Grace since 1994 and are members of Gays & Lesbians in Grace (GALING).

122

Names: Anthony C. Dobrowolski and Robert F. Vogler
Congregation_Parish: Grace Church
Diocese: Chicago
City_State: Oak Park, IL 60303
Email_Address: rvogler333@aol.com
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

121

Names: Tim and Bob
Congregation_Parish: St. David's
Diocese: Indianapolis
City_State: Beanblossom, Indiana
Email_Address: tfleck@woollenmolzan.com
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

At the time of our commitment ceremony (2/12/94), neither of us was active in a faith community that would support us, so we wrote a secular ceremony for ourselves and our families. I know that there are parishes within this diocese that would consent to bless our union right now, but I feel it is important to wait for a consensus of the faithful. Over past years, I have served as vestry member, convention delegate, Junior and Senior Warden of our parish. Currently I am a seminarian and an Aspirant for Holy Orders.

120

Names: Michael Cudney & Keith Kelly
Congregation_Parish: Holy Trinity Church, Inwood
Diocese: New York
City_State: New York, NY
Email_Address: mcudney@herbarrett.com
Years_Together: 28
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

119

Names: Marsha Gordon and Debra Kloster
Congregation_Parish: Nativity
Diocese: Spokane
City_State: Lewiston, ID
Email_Address: logans_gram@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 21
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

We exchanged vows privately 21 years ago and travelled to Vermont in July 2000 for our Civil Union.

118

Names: Eric Morris & Steve Garrison
Congregation_Parish: St. Francis
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Tyler, Texas
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: October 17, 2002

Comments

We had a Holy Union ceremony in a gay church before becoming involved in the Episcopal Church. Very involved in the parish. Gay-friendly Rector. A total of at least 6 gay couples are confirmed members.

117

Names: RIchard Clark and Julian Preisler
Congregation_Parish: St. Nicholas
Diocese: Washington
City_State: Darnestown, MD
Email_Address: RWC4520@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 16, 2002

Comments

Richard is Episcopalian, and Julian is Jewish. We would like to have a small, interfaith ceremony.

116

Names: Brian Gluckman & Robert Rupp
Congregation_Parish: All Souls
Diocese: Washington Diocese
City_State: Washington, DC
Email_Address: bgluckman@wickedweb.org, rrupp@wickedweb.org
Years_Together: 1
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 16, 2002

Comments

We're planning on having a commitment ceremony in the church in two years. So far, our Rector seems to be behind the idea, so hopefully it'll happen. But it'd be nice if it was recognized by the Church itself...

115

Names: Andrew Burrow
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Cathedral
Diocese: Arkansas
City_State: Little Rock, AR
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 1
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 11, 2002

Comments

114

Names: Mark Crayton & James Janssen
Congregation_Parish: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Diocese: Chicago
City_State: Chicago, IL
Email_Address: mralto@telocity.com
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 25, 2002

Comments

Our celebrations consisted of a gathering of friends witnessing our vows. Then the friends joined us in reading a prayer written by our associate rector (at the time).

113

Names: Janis and Angela Froehlig Paulson
Congregation_Parish: St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral
Diocese: Minnesota
City_State: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Email_Address: PaulsonAF@msn.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: June 26, 2002

Comments

The Dean of the Cathedral (who is no longer serving as dean) performed a blessing and celebration service. The three of us designed and wrote the service, using the skeleton of the BCP marriage celebration and other sources. Janis and I are currently board members for the GLBT Ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of MN.

112

Names: Karen Winter and Sylvia Stevens
Congregation_Parish: St George's,
Diocese: California
City_State: Antioch, California 94509
Email_Address: labrat@pacbell.net
Years_Together: 20
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 24, 2002

Comments

We had a ceremony with friends, but not in a religious context. We would like to have a marriage in the Episcopal Church to celebrate our 25th anniversary together. We are both active in our parish, and Karen is co-director of parish Altar Guild.

110

Names: Erlinda and Penny
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: West Texas
City_State:
Email_Address: honnygrrl@aol.com
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: April 13, 2002

Comments

Roman Catholic celebration 6 years ago. Local church officials disciplined monsignor involved and refused partner employment as a school principal. We have left the RC church. Local Episcopal congregation is very accepting. I am in the choir and we both are involved in bible study. The rector has told us we may serve the parish in any way that we feel called to do so.

109

Names: Christopher Bogs and Ron Smith
Congregation_Parish: St. Mary's Hamilton Village
Diocese: Pennsylvania
City_State: Philadelphia, PA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 1.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: April 04, 2002

Comments

We were blessed in the company of our families and friends, in an outdoor ceremony presided over by a friend of my husband's, a Catholic holy brother. This was before I decided to join the Episcopal Church so there wasn't any congregational involvement; if we were doing it today I'm sure there would be.

108

Names: Gennifer and Samantha
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: West Virginia
City_State:
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 01, 2002

Comments

107

Names: Steve & Keith
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Southern Ohio
City_State:
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 14
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: March 23, 2002

Comments

106

Names: Anne-Laura and Ria
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Alabama
City_State: Northport, AL
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 18, 2002

Comments

105

Names: Joseph Foxhood/Rick Black
Congregation_Parish: St. ANdrew's
Diocese: Louisiana
City_State: New Orleans, LA
Email_Address: nolaguys@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 3.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 18, 2002

Comments

104

Names: Michael and Timothy
Congregation_Parish: St. Phillip's
Diocese: Atlanta
City_State: Atlanta, GA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 15, 2002

Comments

103

Names: Mike Gsell/Todd Frary
Congregation_Parish: St. Philip
Diocese: Atlanta
City_State: Atlanta, GA
Email_Address: MikeGsell@msn.com
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 07, 2002

Comments

102

Names: MATTHEW HALL AND JACK JACOBS
Congregation_Parish: ST. ALFRED'S
Diocese: Southwest Florida
City_State: Palm Harbor,FL
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 07, 2002

Comments

No celebration

Choir,Outreach,LEV,and EFM

101

Names: Donald G. Coe & Jose G. Mendez
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese:
City_State: Fort Worth, Texas
Email_Address: dgcoe@dellepro.com
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: November 08, 2001

Comments

100

Names: Charles H. Allen III & Tod Roulette
Congregation_Parish: St. Philip's Church Harlem, NY
Diocese: New York
City_State: New York, NY
Email_Address: totaltod@earthlink.net
Years_Together:
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: October 18, 2001

Comments

Names: Michael Lindner and Joel Manning
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: Diocese of Dallas
City_State: Dallas, Texas
Email_Address: Eminence@swbell.net
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 27, 2001

Comments

Pray for the time that the Church will be exorcised of hate. Love will prevail because of the brave and the strong of faith.

Names: Caroline and Michelle
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephen's, Durham
Diocese: North Carolina
City_State: Creedmoor, NC
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 25, 2001

Comments

Names: (The Rev.) Marion Kanour and (Dr.) Barbara Heyl
Congregation_Parish: Holy Innocents Episcopal Church
Diocese: Chicago
City_State: Hoffman Estates, IL
Email_Address: mkanour@mindspring.com
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 23, 2001

Comments

We exchanged vows and rings usign the Book of Common Prayer. We were the only two present, sitting in the bay at Provincetown. We would love to have our relationship blessed by the church.

Comments

We exchanged vows and rings usign the Book of Common Prayer. We were the only two present, sitting in the bay at Provincetown. We would love to have our relationship blessed by the church.

Names: James Belmont/Nathan Spofford
Congregation_Parish: St. James Episcopal Church
Diocese: Utah
City_State: Midvale, UT
Email_Address: naspoffordiv@aolcom
Years_Together: 1
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: June 18, 2001

Comments

Our vestry is working to decide what liturgy/blessing to offer, if any.

Names: Patricia Catlett and Karen Kathleen Schmiege
Congregation_Parish: St. Michael and All Angels
Diocese: Santa Fe
City_State: Albuquerque, NM
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: April 16, 2001

Comments

In a NYC loft on Jan. 2, 1990 Karen and I celebrated our Holy Union Ceremony with 72 family and friends in attendance. We were unofficially blessed by a Presbyterian Minister friend. We exchanged flower leis in the Hawaiian tradition of commitment. We moved together from NYC to Arizona then New Mexico. We exchanged rings in NM in 1998. We are waiting for our official blessing and recognition from the Episopal Church, of which we are both very active members; loved and supported by our congregation. I was raised Roman Catholic. Karen was raised Lutheran. May God bless us all!

Names: Daniel Meyers & Stephen Sauer II
Congregation_Parish: None
Diocese: Southwestern Ohio
City_State: Oxford, Ohio
Email_Address: meyersde@muohio.edu
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: April 15, 2001

Comments

We chose to have a Civil Union to solidity our commitment to each other and be recognized by the government of the United States. Now we are waiting to be officially recognized by the church. How much longer must we wait before the eyes of the bishops are opened?

Names: Catherine Morris & Holly Jackson
Congregation_Parish: St. Mary's
Diocese: Massachusetts
City_State: Harwich, MA
Email_Address: prism-24@webtv.net
Years_Together: 1.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 26, 2001

Comments

I have been an Episcopalian since birth. Holly has been going to church with me for a while now. We both sing in the choir (altos). We have been waiting for the time when the church will recognize our love for each other is no different than anyone elses and should be accepted as such.

Names: Jerry Ernest and Quinten Dronet
Congregation_Parish: Episcopal Church of the Epiphany
Diocese: Western Louisiana
City_State: Opelousas, LA
Email_Address: qnjer1@aol.com
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: March 17, 2001

Comments

There is none so blind as he who will not see. None so deaf as he who will not listen.

Names: Mike Ware & Gerard Machado
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Bethlehem
Diocese: Bethlehem
City_State: Bethlehem, PA
Email_Address: mikew@rcn.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: February 16, 2001

Comments

ceremony was based on very old Eastern rites for same sex unions

Names: Velva J Harris/ E. Anne Wood
Congregation_Parish: Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Grass Valley, CA
Email_Address: anjo5@junolcom
Years_Together: 29
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: February 11, 2001

Comments

Celebration of Commitment, Episcopal Priest/Ft. Worth, TX 10yr. Renewal of Vows/ Episcopal Monk/ Sta. Barbara,CA CH. Vestry Worship Commission 4 years; Ch. Sch. Supt./ Lay Ministry Coordinator, etc.

Names: Sergio Sarmiento and Christopher Rigdon
Congregation_Parish: Palmer Memorial
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Houston, Texas
Email_Address: crigdon72@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 1.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No answer
Date: February 04, 2001

Comments

because of immigration issues sergio may have to leave and seek residency in canada...the commitment ceremony would help us to make our relationship firm and ground in spirituality...

Names: Richard K. Reedy & Christopher Malcomb
Congregation_Parish: Calvery Cathedral
Diocese: South Dakota
City_State: Sioux Falls South Dakota
Email_Address: demynge@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 30, 2001

Comments

Am waiting for a period 0f time when the Reverend Cannon Martain Brokenleg has the time to preform a celebration for us.

Names: Joan and Meg
Congregation_Parish: Calvary Cathedral
Diocese: South Dakota
City_State: Sioux Falls SD
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 6mos.
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: January 07, 2001

Comments

Meg and I are hoping to convince someone in SD that they should bless our union. We plan on getting hitched the summer of 2002, after I graduate from college. Please pray for us as we attempt to get our union blessed. . . . We'll be praying for all of you as well!

Names: Frank Volz & Brian Lund
Congregation_Parish: St. Christopher's
Diocese: Rio Grande
City_State: Hobbs, NM
Email_Address: bribuns@hotmail.com f_volz@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 1
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: December 29, 2000

Comments

very involved with local congregation and cursillo movement

Names: Jeffrey Meadows & Gary Patterson
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephen's
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Houston, Texas
Email_Address: HugnPeck@aol.com & HouGuy10@aol.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: September 26, 2000

Comments

Names: Roger and Brandon Hanson-Matthews
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephens Episcopal Church
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Houston, Texas
Email_Address: rogerhanson@prodigy.net; brandonm@prodigy.net
Years_Together: 7 mos.
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: September 26, 2000

Comments

We feel very grateful to have found St. Stephen's. It has become a very intregal part of our lives and we participate in the life of the church to the fullest extent. We have been touched by the openness, acceptance, and spiritual maturity of the church. While all clergy have been extremely supportive of our relationship, they were not able to officiate at our ceremony last weekend due to the stance the higher church has taken. Last weekend, we had a non-denominational, universal religious ceremony at which someone outside our faith officiated. The event was attended by friends and family and has been the highlight of our relationship. Because of the vows we made publicly, we believe our friends and family now have a better understanding of the level of our committment to each other. We anxiously await the day when the Episcopal Church will fully bless and acknowledge our union.

Names: Paul Sumrall & Michael Orsak
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Houston
Diocese: Diocese of Texas
City_State: Houston, Texas
Email_Address: sumrall@blumenthalinc.com
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: September 26, 2000

Comments

Well - sort of - our home was blessed and we were blessed for living there... and our relationship with our dogs has been blessed... but no... I guess our relationship hasn't been celebrated in a religious context... though we are both blessed.

Names: James Carroll and Michael Johnson
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephens Episcopal Church
Diocese: Diocese of Texas
City_State: Houston, TX
Email_Address: MichaelJ77@aol.com, JCarroll58@aol.com
Years_Together: 15
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: September 10, 2000

Comments

We did have a house blessing ceremony for our 10th anniversary. We have served on the School Board, Altar Guild, AIDS Respite Care Team, and many other activities of our Church. Our parish allows us to participate fully in the activities of our church, but the Church does not allow us to participate fully in the Rites of the Church.

Names: Michael Callaway & Dennis Kutach
Congregation_Parish: Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Houston, TX
Email_Address: mhcallaway@aol.com and dfcbk@aol.com
Years_Together: 1
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: September 09, 2000

Comments

We long to be married in our own parish but we will travel to another diocese this year to have our relationship celebrated.

Names: Bob Fuller and Manny Parian
Congregation_Parish: St. John the Evangelist
Diocese: California
City_State: San Francisco, CA
Email_Address: bobfire@aol.com
Years_Together: 15
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: September 07, 2000

Comments

Domestic partnership registered with City and County of San Francisco and with State of California. Bob has served as a Trustee of the Cathedral and as Clerk of the vestry at St. John's. Currently parish treasurer. There are annual blessings of same-sex couples at the parish on the feast of Sergius and Bacchus.

Names: Ronnie Ray Johnson and Clarence Lyle Bolster
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephens Episcopal Church
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Houston, Texas
Email_Address: rrjohnson10@juno.com
Years_Together: 18
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: September 04, 2000

Comments

We had a holy union October 1st, 1983 after we had been together 2 years. We will have been together 19 years on October 1st, 2000. We serve our church on the alter guild and the flower guild and the oblation bearers committee. We have been members of the parish for about 10 years.

Names: Debbie Graham and Teresa Wood
Congregation_Parish: St. Michael's Cathedral Parish
Diocese: Idaho
City_State: Boise, ID
Email_Address: dgraham@micron.net
Years_Together: 11
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 22, 2000

Comments

We had a wedding in which a Unitarian Minister and a Roman Catholic deacon officiated. This was when I (Debbie) was Roman Catholic, about 2 years before I became Episcopal. My spouse, Teresa, is Unitarian.

Names: Grace
Congregation_Parish: St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Diocese: North Carolina
City_State: Raleigh, NC
Email_Address: gebullen@aol.com
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 11, 2000

Comments

Active at St. Mark's for about 12 years -- vestry, chalicer, search committee, etc. Compiled service from traditional Episcopal and Jewish weddings (partner is Jewish. 2 non-clergy friends officiated. At my church, with bishop's prior consent. Open invitation to congregation and invited others as well. 235 people present. Purposely avoided publicity ie newspapers.

Names: Dennis & Lee
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Resurrection
Diocese: Alabama
City_State: Gadsden, AL
Email_Address: dwtrlp@mindspring.com
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 10, 2000

Comments

Very active in our parish. Most other parishioners "have" to know. Feel, though they accept us, they may not be supportive of changes within the cannons which would recognize us as a group.

Names: Randy and Haney Goswick-Cross
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephen's
Diocese: Diocese of Texas
City_State: Houston, Texas
Email_Address: goswicross@aol.com
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 06, 2000

Comments

The Holy Union ceremony was held in a Methodist Church. At the time, Randy was a member there and the celebrant was/is on the staff there. The openly-gay celebrant works in the Methodist Church, but is an ordained priest in an eastern church. Two Episcopal priests were part of the congregation.

Our involvement at St. Stephen's: Altar Guild, Licensed Lay Readers, TMO (The Metropolitan Organization, a coalition of churches, temples and schools striving to bring a better quality of life to the Houston area), Next Steps (a group trying to continue the momentum after the April Camp Allen Meeting on Sexuality), Clerk for the Vestry, sponsors for EYC, Gay Pride Parade participants.

Names: Sheena and Cheryl
Congregation_Parish: St. Gabriel's
Diocese: Atlanta
City_State: Oakwood, GA
Email_Address: shelaw@mindspring.com
Years_Together: 16
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: August 06, 2000

Comments

Our relationship was blessed in the Metropolitian Community Church a few weeks after we came together. We are both very active in our church, Daughters of the King, lay readers, teach Sunday School, various committees. We are not aggressively "out" but do not hide our feelings for each other or our relationship. We are no more nor less obvious than the normal heterosexual couple.

St. Gabe's is the first real family either of us have known. The love and inclusion we have found in this church has changed our lives more than I could ever express. We are loved and supported and valued by our priest and our parish and we do not have to lie about who we are.

Names: Philip Darby & Francis Palms
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul's Cathedral
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: San Diego, CA
Email_Address: left-coast@pacbell.net, fpalms@pacbell.net
Years_Together: 25
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 05, 2000

Comments

We are long-time "church mice" - altar servers, vergers, sacristans, thurifers, committee members, volunteers, factota. Phil currently employed as receptionist/office assistant at St. Paul's Cathedral. Our Cathedral friends and clergy are supportive and would welcome the opportunity for "local option" to be an option in our diocese, but alas, our Bishop has not yet made that part of his pilgrimage.

Names: Malcolm Blue & Jack Kostelnik
Congregation_Parish: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Diocese: Los Angeles
City_State: Valencia, CA
Email_Address: mblue2@earthlink.net
Years_Together: 13+
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: August 01, 2000

Comments

Jack was the first male to join the Altar Guild in the 35 yr. history of the Church & BOY! did the decorations ever improve! We both served as Ushers for a few years. Malcolm served on the Bishop's Committee. Malcolm is an M.C., Chalice Bearer, Lay Reader, Eucharistic Minister, Children's Chapel Volunteer, starting 4th yr. of EFM at St. Stephen's and is volunteer to assist Vicar, Rev. Lynn Jay officiating at Funerals&Memorial Services which occur on weekdays. Our greatest Episcopal experience occurred when a young, heterosexual couple who are dear friends asked us to be Godparents for their first child at Sunday Eucharist in St. Stephen's. We are out,proud & loved!

Names: Perry and John
Congregation_Parish: Good Shepherd
Diocese: East Tennessee
City_State: Lookout Mountain Tennessee
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No answer
Date: August 01, 2000

Comments

Names: Kathy McAdams and partner
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: California
City_State: San Francisco, CA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 5.5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 31, 2000

Comments

Names: Greg Franks and Gerry Morris
Congregation_Parish: The Church of St. Clement
Diocese: Virginia
City_State: Alexandria, VA
Email_Address: Jowie@aol.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 30, 2000

Comments

Gerry is very involved, is a member of the Search Committee, a lay reader and usher adn is planning on running for the Vestry. Greg helpd with church projects such as Christmas tree sales, etc.

Names: Robert d Fisher and Joseph P Shore
Congregation_Parish: St Paul's of the Desert,
Diocese: Riverside/san Diego
City_State: California
Email_Address: Bobfish4@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 28, 2000

Comments

We had a Celebration of Committment at Trinity Church SF on 2/11/95 We were very involved in Trinity Parish prior to moving to Palm Springs, The local Paris is not as supportive of Gay people as was Trinity, whoever that is not to say that Gay people are not welcome at St Paul's , but the outreach to the huge community in Palm Springs is disappointing.

Names: Dionne Westerfield and Ardelle Pearsall
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Episcopal Church, Folsom
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Folsom, CA
Email_Address: ardio@earthlink.net
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 27, 2000

Comments

We are convinced that God was an influence in our getting together. We have had our union blessed by a Catholic Priest about 6 years ago. Our first date was Dec.1,1990 and our lives have been truly blessed from then on. We are both involved in the ongoing operation of the church. We are accepted by most of the congregation as a couple. We have received anniversary blessings from several of our priests in different parishes-- after the regular service. We are hoping that the church will soon make it possible to be accepted on an equal basis.

Comments

We feel that God was an influence in our getting together. Our union has been blessed by a Catholic Priest in Dec. 1995. Our anniversary is Dec. 1, 1990. We are both active in our par- ish. Some members are more accepting than others. It will be a wonderful day when we can have a BIG ceremony sanctioned by the church.

Names: Mathew Salisbury, Steven Terry
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Cathedral Parish
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Sacramento, CA
Email_Address: huckfinnguy@yahoo.com,hlydyspcl1@aol.com
Years_Together: 1
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 25, 2000

Comments

Our relationship was affirmed by the leader of the MCC at the Millenium March on Washington in April 2000. Have not had it blessed by an Episopal cleric. Involved with the local Integrity chapter.

Names: RAY CESSNA & KEN PITTS
Congregation_Parish: THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Diocese: NORTH FLORIDA
City_State: JACKSONVILLE FL
Email_Address: KENRAYJOE3@AOL.COM
Years_Together: 20
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 24, 2000

Comments

WE HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO FIND A LOVING AND SPECIAL PARISH, FILLED WITH SOME OF JACKSONVILLE'S BEST. THE LAST 4 YEARS AT GOOD SHEPHERD HAS BEEN BOTH SAD AND HAPPY. THE PARISH CONTINUES TO GROW IN BOTH SIZE AND LOVE.

Names: Terrance & Phil
Congregation_Parish:
Diocese: San Joaquin
City_State: CA
Email_Address: tboy@charter.net
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 23, 2000

Comments

Names: Jan Windz and Katherine Baldwin
Congregation_Parish: Emmanuel Church
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Grass Valley, CA
Email_Address: jwindz@oro.net
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 23, 2000

Comments

We had an extremely eclectic wedding that included elements of Jan's Jewish heritage and Katy's Native American heritage. It was performed by a friend who is a non-denominational minister. Jan is Parish Nurse for our church!

Names: Jim Steen & Tom Chesrown
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul & the Redeemer
Diocese: Chicago
City_State: Chicago, IL
Email_Address: sjs@sp-r.org
Years_Together: 9+
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 23, 2000

Comments

Our parish definitely "celebrates" our relationship, but we've participated in no official rite.

Names: (The Rev.) Sue Thompson and (The Rev.) Stina Pope
Congregation_Parish: Christ Church, Alameda, CA and St. Thomas, Sunnyvale, CA
Diocese: both resident in El Camino Real; Christ Church is in Dio of CA
City_State: Kensington, CA
Email_Address: Sue.Thompson@juno.com; StinaPope@juno.com
Years_Together: 13
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 22, 2000

Comments

The celebration of our relationship occurred in our home with only 12 folks present because the bishop had threatened disciplinary action if any clergy even attended. (He has shifted his position on the issue since.)

Names: Nancy Van Nest & Ellen Carlson
Congregation_Parish: St. John's Cathedral in the Wilderness
Diocese: Colorado
City_State: Denver Colorado
Email_Address: NVColorado@aol.com
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No answer
Date: July 22, 2000

Comments

One day we must tell our young twins that their church won't bless their moms like they will the other kids' parents. That day will be one to break our hearts. Don't let it happen. Hurry!

Names: John Clinton Bradley & the Rev. Michael Hopkins
Congregation_Parish: St. George's Episcopal Church, Glenn Dale, MD
Diocese: Washington
City_State: Greenbelt, MD
Email_Address: johnclint@aol.com; stgeogd@aol.com
Years_Together: 8
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 22, 2000

Comments

When we purchased our home in Greenbelt we had a house blessing and celebration of our life together. Initially the suffragan bishop of Washington had agreed to preside--but a few days before the event she grew concerned that it would be perceived as a "gay wedding." Rather than modify our plans, we mutually agreed that she would not attend. A female priest friend presided instead.

Names: Ernest and Louie Clay-Crew
Congregation_Parish: Grace
Diocese: Newark
City_State: Newark
Email_Address: Ernest_Clay@hotmail.com, LCrew@newark.rutgers.edu
Years_Together: 26
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 22, 2000

Comments

It is the Church, not we, who have been "living in sin."

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.

Names: Shireen Miles and Anita M. Williams
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Cathedral Church
Diocese: Northern California
City_State: Sacramento, CA
Email_Address: wmfamily@jps.net
Years_Together: 7
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 22, 2000

Comments

We had a brief private ceremony (just us and Rev. Gary Bradley) at All Saints in Pasadena in 1995. We are active members of our current parish and are both the legally-recognized parents of a 12 year old daughter.

Names: Anne Marie Willis & Serena Wyckoff
Congregation_Parish: St. George's Esiscopal Church of Glenn Dale, MD
Diocese: Washington, DC
City_State: Bowie, MD
Email_Address: wecatbirds@att.net
Years_Together: 18
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 21, 2000

Comments

We had a commitment ceremony 05/31/99. Our officiant was Rev. Michael Hopkins.

Names: Ed Collins and Partner
Congregation_Parish: St. Luke and the Epiphany
Diocese: Pennsylvania
City_State: Philadelphia, PA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 21, 2000

Comments

Christian faith and fellowship continues to be an important element in our relationship

Names: John S. Rebstock and Terrence A. Doyle
Congregation_Parish: St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
Diocese: Washington
City_State: Washington, DC
Email_Address: jsrebstock@aol.com, terdoyle@aol.com
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 20, 2000

Comments

We celebrated commitment to one another on January 8, 1994 at St. Margarets before 120 witnesses. We are on this waiting list with the prayerful expectation that an official rite will follow so that we may reaffirm the sanctity of our relationship and so that others may bless their relationships.

Names: Dennis M. Ullery and Ray D. Watson
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Good Shepherd
Diocese: Florida
City_State: Jacksonville, Florida
Email_Address: rdjville@alltel.net
Years_Together: 19
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 20, 2000

Comments

Ray and I will continue to wait for our faith community to celebrate our lives and ministry together. We have a goal that for our 25th anniversary we will stand together with friends and family inside and Episcopal Church for the Church to at last bless what God has already blessed. We must continue to "fight the fight", the tide is changing.

Names: John P. Schamber & Wayne S. Yoshigai
Congregation_Parish: St. Mark's Church, Kapahulu
Diocese: Hawaii
City_State: Honolulu, Hawaii
Email_Address: JSchamber@Yahoo.com & WSYoshigai@yahoo.com
Years_Together: 11
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 20, 2000

Comments

We've been blessed... very blessed... now it's time for the Church to recognize this!

Names: Karl Sparks and Brian Saul
Congregation_Parish: All Saints Church
Diocese: Los Angeles
City_State: Pasadena, CA
Email_Address: houcoog@altavista.com
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 20, 2000

Comments

Celebrated relationship in a "civil" ceremony not under the auspices of the church or diocese.

Names: Lars Dayball and Steve Hofmann
Congregation_Parish: Cathedral of St. Mark
Diocese: Washington
City_State: Seattle, WA
Email_Address:
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 20, 2000

Comments

Lars and Steve waited in eagerness and pain for the church to offer its blessings on a relationship their friends knew was already blessed. They had been part of a general blessing ceremony at St. Mark's which was important to them. They met in college, and had been together for 10 years when Lars died; Steve died two and one-half years later, having blessedly found a new and holy relationship with Scott in the last year of his life. Many of us who loved them grieve that, for them, these rites will come too late. I could not put my own name on this list without adding theirs.

Shelley Brown Denver, CO

Names: Shelley Brown and Maryann O'Brien
Congregation_Parish: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
Diocese: Colorado
City_State: Denver, CO
Email_Address: brownshel@aol.com; maryann7ob@aol.com
Years_Together: 16
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 20, 2000

Comments

We were the ministers in solemnizing our relationship more than 14 years ago in a ceremony at our house, witnessed by our parish clergy and friends in Houston. We are grateful to the friends who stood up with us then and stand up with us now. We have registered as a couple with the City of Denver and we present ourselves for a blessing at our parish on our anniversary each year. We believe that God has blessed us already and acts in our lives through our pledges to each other. We look forward to the day when the larger church will give the outward sign of the inward grace we have received.

Names: Nancy Mott & Linda Minton
Congregation_Parish: St. Michael and All Angels'
Diocese: East Tennessee
City_State: Knoxville, TN
Email_Address: nmott@nxs.net
Years_Together: 9
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No answer
Date: July 19, 2000

Comments

Names: Victor A. Challenor & (The Rev.) Paul Woodrum
Congregation_Parish: St. Alban the Martyr
Diocese: Long Island
City_State: Brooklyn, NY 11238
Email_Address: ChallwoodS@cs.com
Years_Together: 19
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 19, 2000

Comments

We both just hit the big 6-0 and can't wait much longer! We suspect the church will recognize gay rights and rites about the same time New York's Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is finished.

Names: Mike Jones and Keith Carpenter
Congregation_Parish: Grace St. Luke's Episcopal
Diocese: West Tennessee
City_State: Memphis, Tennessee
Email_Address: mjones2001@yahoo.com, GCarpenter@fdic.gov
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 19, 2000

Comments

We both look forward to a time when our commitment to one another will be recognized and blessed by the church.

Names: Karyn Allee and Lisa Scarcella
Congregation_Parish: Episcopal Church of the Resurrection
Diocese: Central Florida
City_State: Altamonte Springs, FL
Email_Address: HalcyonGrl@aol.com and MafiaWomen@aol.com
Years_Together: 2
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 19, 2000

Comments

We would really like to be married and recognized in the church of our faith.

Names: William (Bart) Bartosh and Anthony (Tony) Saponate
Congregation_Parish: St. Matthew's, San Ardo; Trinity, Santa Barbara; All Saints, SF
Diocese: El Camino Real (primary); LA; California (SF)
City_State: San Miguel, CA 93451-9740
Email_Address: wbartosh@slonet.org; saponate@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

We had a wonderful 8th anniversary blessing (see the story in the annals of Lightspeed) by our then deacon-in-charge at our 12 person, 116 year old mission - a very sweet event. Our bishop Richard Shimpfky is ready to bless our union when an official rite is available.

Names: Bob Edgerly & Bob Warburton
Congregation_Parish: St. Paul in the Desert
Diocese: San Diego
City_State: Palm Springs, CA
Email_Address: bobe7@prodigy.net
Years_Together: 19
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

We've been members of St. Paul in the Desert and Integrity for 6 years. Bob Edgerly currently serves as Jr. Warden.

Names: David T. Stewart & Richard J. Rosa
Congregation_Parish: St. John the Evangelist
Diocese: No. Calif.
City_State: San Francisco, CA
Email_Address: dtstew@uclink4.berkeley.edu
Years_Together: 5
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

Names: Jack Finlaw and Gregory Movesian
Congregation_Parish: St. John's Cathedral
Diocese: Colorado
City_State: Denver, Colorado
Email_Address: jack_finlaw@cable.comcast.com; gmovesian@aol.com
Years_Together: 16
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

In our parish, we have a weekly birthday and anniversary blessing during the prayers of the people. Gay and lesbian couples are welcome to come forward with married couples and receive an anniversary blessing. We have been doing this for years on the anniversary of our first date. It would be wonderful to have a big celebration in our parish with blessing rites officially approved for use by ECUSA. We continue to wait for that great day!

Names: Cheryl Conlon and Melissa Simmons
Congregation_Parish: The Church of the Good Shepherd
Diocese: Georgia
City_State: Augusta GA
Email_Address: melcher33@hotmail.com
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

Names: Darryl Knapp & Scot Marter
Congregation_Parish: Church of the Holy Trinity
Diocese: Northwest Texas
City_State: Midland, Texas
Email_Address: dknapp@iglobal.net
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

Names: The Rev'd John Clarke & Bill Theisen
Congregation_Parish: The Church of the Advent
Diocese: Massachusetts
City_State: Boston, Massachusetts
Email_Address: theiclar@dellnet.com
Years_Together: 6
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No answer
Date: July 18, 2000

Comments

Names: Carolyn Feinglass & Corinne Vincelette
Congregation_Parish: St. Margaret's, Washington, DC
Diocese: Washington
City_State: Washington Grove, MD
Email_Address: cfeinglass@juno.com
Years_Together: 20
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 17, 2000

Comments

We would love to renew our vows using liturgy from the BCP or Book of Occasional Services.

Names: Matthew S Wood & Kiel Reeves
Congregation_Parish: Palmer Memorial, Houston
Diocese: Texas
City_State: Houston, TX
Email_Address: wood@petroleumargus.com
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 17, 2000

Comments

Names: Dr. William Benefield and Mr. Christopher Bryan
Congregation_Parish: Episcopal Church of Reconciliation
Diocese: West Texas
City_State: San Antonio, Texas
Email_Address: Benefield@uthscsa.edu
Years_Together: 10
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 17, 2000

Comments

Names: Kate bishop/Nyla Nyffeler
Congregation_Parish: Trinity Episcopal Cjurch
Diocese: No. Indiana
City_State: Ft. Wayne, IN
Email_Address: kateb@ctlnet.com
Years_Together: 12
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: No
Date: July 17, 2000

Comments

ECUSA should divest itself of its incestuous relationship with the state via Holy Matrimony where the church becomes an agent of the civil government, a clear violation of the separation of church and state. Civil law should not dictate or influence the validity or availability of any sacrament to church members, including Holy Matrimony. No special liturgical study or service is required. Deletion of offensive heterosexist language, most of which is accomplished by changing pronouns to plural or gender neutral should be sufficient to adapt current service in the BCP and apply it equally to everyone via the BCP.

Names: Kathy Caruso and Leigh Hollis
Congregation_Parish: St George's Chapel
Diocese: Washington DC
City_State: Bowie MD
Email_Address: lhollis@aol.com and DreamScrib@aol.com
Years_Together: 3
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 16, 2000

Comments

We had a commitment ceremony on 10/11/97 at St George's Chapel. It was officiated by Michael Hopkins.

Names: Barry J. Bynum, Kenneth J. Cribbs
Congregation_Parish: St. Luke's
Diocese: Atlanta
City_State: Atlanta, GA
Email_Address: barry@startrek.com, kcribbs@aol.com
Years_Together: 11
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 16, 2000

Comments

Holy Union in UFMCC

Names: Jeffery D. Fugate / Ricardo C. Morris
Congregation_Parish: Christ Church Chattanooga
Diocese: East Tennessee
City_State: Chattanooga, TN 37404
Email_Address: JDFugate@aol.com
Years_Together: 14
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 16, 2000

Comments

Our union was blessed by an Episcopal priest 7 years ago on the 14th of this month. We have told our story to the local Clericus this year and to the Southeastern Regional Integrity Convention last year in Birmingham. We are more than willing to "tell our story" and help where we can. Our phone number is 423-629-5628. Sincerely, Jeff Fugate and Ric Morris.

Names: dwight lyman ginn & john michael delk
Congregation_Parish: St. John the Evangelist
Diocese: California
City_State: San Francisco, California
Email_Address: jon-jon@2xtreme.net dwight@2xtreme.net
Years_Together: 4
Ever_Had_Relationship_Blessed: Yes
Date: July 16, 2000

Comments

thanks so much! Love you so much! Thank God

Names: The Rev. Dr. Albert Scariato and Mr. Stephen Ziobr
Congregation_Parish: Grace Church--Silver Spring
Diocese: Washington
City_State:
Email_Address: 124 North COlumbus Street Alexandria, Virginia
Years_Toge