The Episcopal Church is set to debate a
blessing rite for gay and lesbian couples wishing to wed.
Church representatives will consider
the measure at its General Convention, which starts Thursday in
Indianapolis.
At its last convention in 2009, the
church approved language encouraging bishops in states where gay
nuptials are legal to “provide generous pastoral response” to gay
couples, and approved the creation of the rite now being considered.
The rite, advocates stress, is not a
sacrament and would not confer “marriage.” The Episcopal Church
defines marriage as a heterosexual union.
“For some people, it's going to be
troubling,” Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr. of the Diocese of
Pennsylvania told The
Philadelphia Inquirer. “For others, it's going to be
thrilling.”
Consideration of the blessing rite
comes sixteen years after the Episcopal Church approved the
ordination of openly gay clergy.
Debate on the rite, titled The
Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant, is set for
Saturday evening. It must be approved by the House of Bishops and
the House of Deputies.
Bennison, who serves on the legislative
committee that will present the rite, said it enjoys broad support in
the House of Deputies.