In a move that will no doubt cause the spittle to fly among the Neanderthal elements of the Anglican Communion, especially in arm pit of the world nations in Africa where anti-gay rhetoric is used to distract the ignorant and gullible populace from the abysmal failures of the political and religious leaders, the Episcopal Church is poised to approve a liturgy for ceremonies solemnizing same sex relationships. While the unions are not expected to be called "marriage" the recognition of same sex love and commitment will drive the Bible thumpers berserk for certain. I can just imagine the volumes of spittle and vitriol that will be flying in local congressman Scott Rigell's break away Anglican coven of haters - I mean church. The Los Angeles Times reports on the development. Here are excerpts:
Sixteen years after allowing gays and lesbians to become priests, the Episcopal Church appears poised to introduce a rite that would specifically bless the unions of same-sex couples. If the liturgy is approved, which is expected, Episcopalians will become the first major denomination to endorse such a ritual for homosexual couples.
On its face, the blessing seems similar to that of a marriage rite -- including “I do,” “we have gathered together today” and an exchange of rings. Notably absent are the words “husband,” “wife” and “marriage.”
Supporters of the liturgy emphasize that the rite would acknowledge and bless same-sex unions, but would not sanctify them as marriage in most states. Churches in states where gay marriage is legal -- six, as well as Washington, D.C. -- have had the option of blessing gay marriage, but do not currently use a formal liturgy.
“While the liturgy we have developed is not called ‘marriage,’ we recognize significant parallels,” the committee wrote in its handbook on blessing same-sex marriages, called "I Bless You, And You Will Be a Blessing." “Two people publicly make a lifelong, monogamous commitment to one another with the exchange of solemn vows in a ritual that pronounces God’s blessing on their life together.”
Passing official recognition for gay couples would be a major advance for gay congregants, Bishop Charles E. Bennison Jr. of the Diocese of Pennsylvania told the Philadelphia Inquirer. Bennison is a member of the legislative committee that will present the measure. A 300-member House of Bishops and a 800-member House of Deputies must both approve the same-sex liturgy for it to become official.
A commission on liturgy and music spent three years putting together the proposed blessing, which includes a script for responses from the congregation, a series of faith reflections for the couple and a discussion guide for congregants who are curious or upset.
In my view, those who look down on gays and want to keep us inferior under the civil laws not to mention religious dogma are the today's Pharisees. The turn the Gospel message into a message of hate so that they can find a means to feel superior and better about themselves. They'd be better served getting some good psychiatric help.
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