Tuesday, January 21, 2014

The Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant

It was a very special morning this past Sunday at St. Dunstan's.  For the first time at St. Dunstan's, we gathered to witness the vows and ask God's blessing for a long-term same-sex relationship.

Some background may be in order.

In 2012, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved a liturgy for the blessing of same-sex relationships.  At St. Dunstan's during our Adult Formation, we studied the liturgy (comparing it to the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in the Prayer Book)  and many of us were struck by the beauty of its prayers.

Mary and Ruth, who have been together for almost 30 years, approached our rector, Tricia, and asked her if she would be willing to do this service, and also asked if it could be done during a Sunday morning service.  Well, the answers were yes and yes, and we had a very joyous celebration Sunday morning.


Tricia always has great sermons, and Sunday was no exception.  She made several great points, but one, in particular, struck me.  She mentioned an article she had read recently, which stated that, "the Church's task is to catch up with what God is already doing in the world."

She went on to say, "That really is what we are doing here today. For surely God has already blessed this union, this relationship, this love that Ruth and Mary have shared for almost three decades."

It was so cool to be part of this historical moment at St. Dunstan's, and just another reason it is so great being a part of the St. Dunstan's family.

Steve Mark (looking forward to more exciting events this year at St. Dunstan's as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary)