wfn.org | ACNS - Blessings of unmarried couples authorised in Kansas

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

ACNS 3068 - USA - 22 July 2002

Blessings of unmarried couples authorised in Kansas

[The Living Church] Homosexuals and heterosexuals for whom marriage might
pose a financial hardship will soon be able to have their relationships
blessed in the Diocese of Kansas.

"We have people in our parish communities who have not been able to fully
enjoy the blessing of their lives," the Bishop of Kansas said in a letter
sent to clergy announcing the decision. "I come to my decision in part out
of pastoral care for these people, but also because of the example I see in
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus in his Incarnation cared deeply
for all people, and had a special care for those who were denied the
fullness of life."

In announcing the policy change, Bishop Smalley said that he believes the
Diocese of Kansas is the first to extend a rite of blessing to heterosexual
as well as homosexual couples. In some cases a surviving spouse may lose
pension or social security benefits if he or she remarries.

Under the procedure outlined by Bishop Smalley, a congregation intending to
perform the proposed blessing must submit a plan for approval at least 30
days in advance. At least one of the two must be a member in good standing
of the congregation and both must be willing to undergo pastoral
counselling. The rector and vestry must reach consensus (not unanimous
agreement) to move ahead with the ceremony.

"The proposed rite for the blessing of the relationship shall not be
considered to be Holy Matrimony and shall be distinct of and in no way
resemble The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in The Book of Common
Prayer or similar rites used in other religious traditions," Bishop Smalley
said in outlining the sixth and final stipulation.

_______________________________________________
The ACNSlist is published by the Anglican Communion Office, London.

Please send QUESTIONS or COMMENTS to acnslist@anglicancommunion.org. Any 
comments about the content of the article should be directed to the author. 
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY to this message, as any replies are discarded 
automatically.

You can subscribe/unsubscribe online at 
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/subscribe.html

ACNS mailing list