This page is intended as a resource for clergy celebrating and blessing marriages in the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane. for information about remarriage petitions, as well as policies and liturgies on same-sex marriage, please contact the diocesan office (509) 624-3191.
Same-Sex Blessings in Washington State
**The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane exists in both Washington where same sex marriage is legal, and Idaho where the ban on same sex marriage is currently being challenged in the courts.
The passage of Referdum 74 in the State of Washington on November 6, 2012 and the approval of Resolution A049 at 77th General Convention of the Episcopal Church in July, 2012, opened the door for same-sex couples seeking marriage in the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane.
For couples who have a State of Washington honored marriage license and who desire to make a commitment to a lifelong relationship together:
Preliminary steps:
1. The clergy person in charge as well as assisting clergy should read and study the General Convention Blue Book materials as well as the most recent version of liturgical materials.
2. There should also be study by vestries and bishop’s committees. If the clergy person in charge chooses to use the rite, there should be a consensus among the leadership group to support that decision. (The consensus is not permission, but support of the clergy person’s decision.)
3. The congregation is encouraged to use the discussion guide in the Blue Book materials to facilitate conversation about the new liturgical resources.
Requirements prior to using the liturgy:
1. At least one member of the couple will be a baptized person, involved in the life of the church as a communicant in good standing. Ideally that person (or persons) should be an active member of the congregation.
2. There will be a time of pre-covenant counseling and discernment by the couple as defined by the priest in charge. This is counseling with the couple prior to preparing for the service – focusing on the implications for the couple on moving forward. It is also a period of discernment for the clergyperson involved. This does not necessarily need to be a long period of time and is in addition to the pre-covenant counseling outlined in the accompanying material.
3. Written communication with the Office of the Bishop at least 60 days prior to the proposed blessing, seeking permission to proceed. (For many congregations this will be a new experience and formation and education of the congregation is important. Two pastoral concerns emerge: (1) Helping communities develop language, theology and understanding of our call to ministry in this area, and (2) Completing that process before the first celebration of a Covenant Blessing so no couple might encounter fear or confusion that might arise in an unprepared community. The bishop wishes to be informed of the congregational process in order to learn how members have been led through a process for understanding holy relationships and covenants, including same-sex relationships. Please describe for the Bishop that process.
4. A signed Declaration of Intention, which outlines the church’s expectations regarding the characteristics this union should exhibit.
5. Multiple-session counseling of the couple, defined and overseen by the priest in charge.
Approved Liturgies
This both rites were adopted from the Diocese of Vermont Rites, the St. Thomas Washington D.C. Rite, the Diocese of Washington D.C. Rite and the Scottish Marriage Liturgy, and then created as above by the Diocese of Northern California. We are indebted to Bishop Barry Beisner and his diocese for their work.
Bishop Waggoner has three authorized liturgies for the blessing of same-sex unions (found above). Three rites are provided for use in the Diocese of Spokane for the Blessing of a Holy Union/Covenant Relationship. The priest/pastor has the responsibility for the liturgy and for the selection of the rite; this is best done in consultation with the couple.
A priest or bishop presides at the service because such ministers alone have the function of pronouncing blessing and of celebrating the Holy Eucharist.
When both a bishop and a priest are present and officiating, the bishop should pronounce the blessing and preside at the Eucharist. A deacon, or an assisting priest, may deliver the opening exhortation, ask for the declaration of consent, read the Gospel, and perform other assisting functions at the Eucharist.
It is desirable that the lessons from the Old Testament and the Epistles (or readings from non-biblical sources) be read by lay persons.
In the opening exhortation (at the symbol of N. and N.), the full names of the persons to be blessed are declared. Subsequently, only their commonly used names are used.
Both rites provide the option of a presentation by sponsors. Although this is an option, the question asking the support of the witnessing congregation is not optional.
These rites may be used with any authorized liturgy for the Holy Eucharist. The rite then replaces the Ministry of the Word, and the Eucharist begins with the Offertory.
For the Ministry of the Word it is fitting that the couple remain where they may conveniently hear the reading of the lessons. They may approach the Altar, either for the exchange of vows, or for the Blessing.
It is appropriate that all remain standing until the conclusion of the Collect. Seating may be provided for the altar party, so that all may be seated for the readings and the homily.
When desired some other suitable symbol of the vows may be used in place of a ring.
Suitable hymns and music may be included in the service.
At the end of the service, it is appropriate that the couple and the altar party leave the church first, followed by the presider and the congregation.