Reports

Policy Declaration on the Blessing of Same Sex Unions

From the Vestry of St. Mark's on July 11, 1999

• Whereas the Parish community of St. Mark's has thoughtfully and faithfully considered the matter of blessing same sex unions;
• Whereas St. Mark's is an inclusive parish which welcomes all individuals regardless of sexual orientation;
• Whereas St. Mark's recognizes that blessings of the church are spiritual expressions distinct from and unrelated to civil law or expressions; and
• Whereas St. Mark's as a community wishes to support and nurture the relationships of all committed couples in its parish;

Therefore the Vestry of St. Mark's declares:

• That it is the policy of St. Mark's to support its clergy in performing liturgical celebrations blessing the committed relationships of same sex couples;
• That when same sex blessing ceremonies are to be performed by the clergy of St. Mark's that the same sex couple participate in pre-blessing instruction and counseling sessions consistent with St. Mark's policy;
• That whether they be members or non-members, that the requests of same sex couples for blessing ceremonies should be treated equitably and consistently with St. Mark's policy on heterosexual couples requesting marriage ceremonies and in line with church rental policy;
• That we request the Rector and Associate Rector of St. Mark's, in consultation with laity, develop an appropriate core blessing liturgy and ceremony that blesses same sex commitments and states the support of the church community;
• That the core liturgy be vetted informally with interested and knowledgeable members of the parish for feedback and then be published for comment by the parish community to ensure support for the process.

Adopted by the Vestry of St. Mark's on Capitol Hill on Sunday, July 18, 1999.