S a m e - S e x   U n i o n s

Under what circumstances does a parish bless a covenant? What is expected of the couple being blessed?

Same sex unions, same gender blessings, and covenant blessings are all terms for the blessing of the faithful, monogamous relationships of gays and lesbians. Parishes which perform blessings usually go through a process of discernment as to whether God calls them to bless these relationships.

Here  you will find parish studies, blessing guidelines, and sample liturgies from All Saints Pasadena and other parishes. We are eager to add to these, so if you have one to contribute, please contact us.

God, Sex and Justice Task Force Report (All Saints Church, Pasadena CA)

Report on Marriage and the Covenanting of Same-Sex Unions (St. Thomas' Parish, Washington DC)

Dialogue on Same-Sex Unions (Diocese of New Westminster, Anglican Church of Canada)

Statement from the Bishop on the Blessing of Same-sex Unions (Diocese of New Hampshire)

Preparing for and Celebrating Life in Community within the Body of Christ  (Church of Our Saviour, Cincinnati OH)

 

L i t u r g i e s

You will need Adobe Acrobat  

Amy and Suzanne's Blessing (PDF)

Terry and David's Blessing (PDF)
This shows Terry and David's originality!

Carole and Deborah's Blessing (PDF)
This order of service is based on the Rite 1 marriage liturgy.

Robin and Michelle's Blessing (PDF) 
This liturgy incorporates Jewish themes and ritual, which honors the heritage of one of the participants.

 

S e r m o n s   and   P r e s e n t a t i o n s

God, Sex & Justice a sermon by the Rev. George Regas

Proposition 22 Teach-In

California Proposition 22 was the "Limitation on Marriage Initiative", which came up before the voters of California in March of 2000.  A Teach-in was held at All Saints Church on Sunday, January 23, 2000.  Besides All Saints Rector Ed Bacon and Rector Emeritus George Regas, participants included

  • Rabbi Denise Egger of Congregation Kol Ami
  • Chester Talton, Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Los Angeles
  • Bishop Paul W. Egertson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  • Bishop Roy I. Sano of the United Methodist Church
  • Rev. Susan Craig of the Presbyterian Church
  • Rev. Mel White
  • Rev. Nancy Wilson of the Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles. 

Comments of the Rev. Ed Bacon  
Comments by the Rev. George Regas

updated 24 July 2003, webmaster