- We need to keep marriage equality by fighting the ballot initiative that would, if passed, change our state's constitution to limit "marriage" to heterosexual relationships. This is a misuse of the constitution, which should not be amended to restrict people's rights.
- We need to support couples who are deciding to get married. Unfortunately we can't host marriage ceremonies in the Cathedral nor can I "officiate" at such services. There are things we can do as a church to support our members as they take this important step. We can help couples design services using prayers from our Prayer Book or other resources. We can participate in marriage ceremonies. We can also have services in the Cathedral where we can come together and celebrate the commitments that couples are making. Here I'm thinking of the service we hold around Valentines Day where all couples are invited to renew their vows and the congregation pledges to support them in their marriage. We could follow the service with a great party.
- We need to advocate for marriage equality within the Episcopal Church. A very important national convention will be held in Anaheim in the summer of 2009. I am hoping that that convention will vote to allow dioceses across the nation to bless same-sex unions.
- We need to make sure Trinity Cathedral remains a welcoming, safe and inclusive church. That inclusion needs to embrace those who are disappointed with the Supreme Court's decision as well as those who are thrilled.
Please let me know your thoughts.
Blessings,
Brian Baker
Dean
http://blogs.deanbaker.org/
2 comments:
'Mariage' is a public commitment to each other by two people who have already pledged their love to each other in private, and a public ceremony is for sharing their joy with their community, and asking the community's blessing. If the communty is a church, it makes no sense to have the ceremony outside the church, no matter how well intended that may be. If we have to wait, we will wait, but we will not wait silently. As Christians, we must live our understanding of the Gospel, and my understanding is that there is no short cut in the Lord's love, therefore there should be no short cut of the celebration. God can, and does, bless anywhere. The church, however, blesses 'best' within it's instution. Jesus called us to be bold in following him, to do less is not to be faithful to his teachings.
Steve,
I agree that all people should be able ot be married in the church and I completely respect your and Nelson's decision to wait until you can be married in the church and I will continue to strive for that to be possible. I'm wondering, however, what we can do for those couples who are choosing to go ahead and be married?
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