Diocese of Huron: same-sex union celebration liturgy
Nov 25th, 2009 by David
Update: We have received the clarification below from the Diocese of Huron and I have changed the title to “same-sex union celebration liturgy”. I also notice, as one commenter has pointed out, that It is noted that there is to be no exchange of vows, no exchange of rings and no nuptial blessing. was added (original bold and underline) to point 1 after I originally posted the article. I’m not sure how much of this is playing with semantics merely to deflect the obvious problems. You decide.
Greetings in Christ
A recent posting on your blog contains a title suggesting the Diocese of Huron has issued a Same Sex Blessing Rite. This is not factual. There is no provision for a Priestly Blessing of the Couple in the service and in directions sent to all members of the clergy it was clearly spelled out this was a pastoral response, consistent with provisions from the House of Bishops, and that there was to be no Vows exchanged or any Nuptial Blessing given. This follows what Bishop Robert Bennett clearly communicated in his charge to the 2009 Synod of the Diocese, in which he asked that protocols be developed for such a liturgy
We would respectfully ask that you remove this titleBlessings
The Rev. T. Keith Nethery
Media Relations Officer
Anglican Diocese of Huron
Here is the original post:
The Diocese of Huron has issued a guideline document for the celebration of a civil marriage between same sex couples:
The Bishop of Huron has called for appropriate liturgies to celebrate the love, mutual fidelity and support that gay and lesbian Anglicans model every day for the church and wider community. This following liturgical resource is approved for use in the Diocese of Huron together with the following protocols.
Protocols
1. These celebrations are understood to be a pastoral response to same-sex couples in our communities. The rite is to be part of a Celebration of Holy Eucharist.
2. The clergy involved must seek the Bishop’s support and written permission a minimum of sixty (60) days before the proposed celebration.
3. Matters pertaining to the use of facilities, ceremonial planning and local arrangements will be made with the approval of the Rector of the parish in which the celebration is to take place.
4. It is required that at least one member of the couple be a baptized member of a congregation in the Diocese of Huron.
5. Appropriate pastoral support and instruction must be given at the local level in order to prepare the couple for the celebration and their ongoing Christian life in relationship.
6. As with all liturgical celebrations of the church, these events will be entered into the Parish Register (Vestry Book).
7. Clergy from beyond the Diocese of Huron shall obtain permission from the Bishop of Huron and their own Bishop.
8. Any member of the clergy may decline to preside at these celebrations.
The liturgy is here.
Rector? I didn’t think that anyone used that term any more. Is this wiggle room to be able to use whatever church they jolly well like?
Just went to the website and someone must have added the following to #1 under Protocols after this was posted here:
“It is noted that there is to be no exchange of vows, no exchange of rings and no nuptial blessing.”
“It is noted that there is to be no exchange of vows, no exchange of rings and no nuptial blessing.”
ML - #2 - I got this ’straight from the horse’s mouth’ when it was distributed - it was there in bold letters.
And yes Jac (#1) ‘Rector’ is still used in Huron - there are certain ‘rights’ associated with it, one being, a Rector cannot be removed without just cause, e.g. doing something illegal or immoral (?!).
Whether or not rings and vows are exchanged it is still an abomination in the site of God and man - and in many Christian countries would lead to the immediate execution of all concerned, the couple (or triad or foresome or however many participants) and the priest.
Sinner,
Let’s leave even the hint of condoning the execution of homosexuals out of the comments, please.
If the gay or lesbian couple is already legally married by an officiant or at City Hall, then why is it necessary to involve the Anglican Church and expect something there.? I don’t think that a male-female natural marriage that is performed at City Hall would expect an extra service at the Anglican Church. The gays and lesbians who want to marry should go to the United Church, Metropolitan Community Church (gay church) or to the Unitarian Church? Why is it necessary to involve the Anglican Church of Canada? What guarantee is there that the gays and lesbians who have the blessing will even continue to attend the Anglican Church?