FINAL VERSION
Resolution:C004
Title:Full Participation of LGBTI Community
Topic:Liturgy
Committee:13 - Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music
House of Initial Action:Bishops
Proposer:Diocese of Newark

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That the 76th General Convention affirm that there are no restrictions on a diocesan bishop's authorization of the liturgical blessing of committed relationships between same-sex partners.


EXPLANATION

The General Convention has never approved a resolution restricting the right of a diocesan bishop to authorize appropriate rites for the blessing of same-sex committed relationships. Nevertheless because there has been no affirmative action by General Convention on this issue, some bishops who claim to support the concept have been unwilling to authorize the use of such rites in their dioceses. This resolution would not force any diocesan bishop to violate his or her theological position but would make clear that the bishop has the option to authorize liturgical blessings of committed relationships between same-sex partners.