wfn.org | Congregations vote to go ahead with same-gender blessings

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2000-149

Congregations vote to go ahead with same-gender blessings

by Jan Nunley

(ENS) A North Carolina cathedral and a prominent Atlanta parish 
have publicly decided to offer blessings for committed same-
gender couples, despite the refusal of the General Convention in 
Denver to authorize such rites.

The parish council of the 400-member Cathedral of All Souls in 
Asheville, North Carolina, announced its decision during Sunday 
services September 26. According to senior warden Bob Yeager, a 
handful of worshipers walked out during an early-morning service, 
but at later gatherings, most of the congregation applauded. 

The decision is the culmination of two years of study by the 
parish and its leadership. Bishop Robert Johnson of the diocese 
of Western North Carolina said he was "supportive" of the 
decision as a response to pastoral needs.

"We are a parish trying to be faithful to our beliefs," the Rev. 
Todd Donatelli, dean of the cathedral, told the Asheville 
Citizen-Times. "We see this as a matter of justice." 

     Parity for all couples

     All Souls announced guidelines for the "Blessing of a 
Covenanted Relationship" which include membership in the parish 
for one year and demonstrated commitment by the couple.

     The 1,100-member Atlanta parish, St. Bartholomew's, has 
published guidelines that require virtually the same things of 
same-gender couples that are currently required of opposite-
gender couples in the parish seeking to be united in holy 
matrimony. Couples must undergo three sessions with a pastoral 
counselor and one with the celebrating priest, who must be 
satisfied that the relationship is "right-intended"--that is, 
grounded in monogamy, fidelity and lifelong commitment. If there 
has been a significant relationship in the past of either member 
of the couple, the previous relationship must have been ended for 
a year before the current relationship can be blessed. The only 
difference in the requirements is that same-gender couples 
seeking blessing must be regularly attending members of the 
parish for at least nine months--a more rigorous requirement than 
heterosexual couples must meet.

     But within days of the announcement, St. Bartholomew's 

clergy and wardens were summoned to a two-hour meeting with 
the diocesan standing committee to discuss the matter. As ENS went to 
press, no decision had been made. The standing committee, which 
holds canonical authority in the absence of a bishop, has several 
options: let the parish's decision stand;  issue a "godly 
admonition" forbidding same-gender blessings; or request to see 
the planned service and approve or disapprove it. The first same-
gender blessing at the parish is planned for late October.

Swift condemnation from conservatives

     The decision by the Asheville cathedral brought swift 
condemnation from a conservative organization, the American 
Anglican Council (AAC). "This deplorable action is further proof 
that the revisionists are willing and eager to split the 
Episcopal Church over their pro-homosexual agenda," said Bruce 
Mason, AAC media officer. "We appeal to Presiding Bishop Griswold 
to join us in denouncing All Souls decision and to warn other 
churches not to follow in the Cathedral's footsteps."

     July's General Convention was the second consecutive 
convention to decline to approve a liturgical form for same-
gender blessings. 

--The Rev. Jan Nunley is deputy director of the Episcopal 
Church's Office of News and Information.