BETHLEHEM: Bishop gives permission for same-gender blessings

By Mary Frances Schjonberg, November 17, 2009 [Episcopal News Service] Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem Bishop Paul Marshall said Nov. 16 that he has established "interim measures" to allow clergy to bless same-gender relationships.

Marshall's letter to his clergy is available here.

"I am not generally broadcasting this decision yet (although I suspect the word will be quickly out) because it is up to the clergy of a place to decide if they are interested, and then to take it up within the parish system," Marshall wrote in his letter.

The bishop wrote that clergy must tell him about their decision to bless same-gender unions, along with assuring him that "at least a substantial number of the vestry are in agreement, or at the very least understand what is involved with the rector or priest-in-charge’s decision in making this change … [and] how (or whether) you are communicating this decision to the parish."

He said that "it is not usually appropriate for interim or supply clergy to lead such a change."

Marshall also said that same-gender couples must receive pre-marital counseling, divorced people must receive his permission to enter into such a union and that at least one person in the relationship must be baptized. All of those requirements are expected of heterosexual couples.

For same-gender couples who have been "legally joined in another state" either through marriage or civil union, Marshall said the Book of Common Prayer's Blessing of a Civil Marriage rite should be used.

For those not united through a civil ceremony, Marshall said clergy should use a rite developed by the Diocese of Washington.

The bishop of that diocese, John Chane, said Nov. 16 that he favored legislation pending before the Washington, D.C. Council to legalize same-gender marriage.

Marshall added a caveat to his permission. "People whose unions are blessed need to understand that in Pennsylvania they are not married, and that your holding yourself out as doing a 'marriage' without a license to perform it is a legal offense," he wrote. "So, all questions of theology aside, it is best to avoid the word in this Commonwealth and at this time."

Marshall limited his permission to perform such blessings to parish clergy of the congregation and noted that "ordinarily, a bishop presides when one of the parties being joined is a priest or deacon."

The Episcopal Church's General Convention last July passed Resolution C056, saying that bishops, "particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this church." The resolution also called for the collection and development of theological and liturgical resources for blessing same-gender unions.

-- The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg is national correspondent for the Episcopal News Service.