FINAL VERSION
Resolution:C028
Title:Developing Additional Gender-Neutral Language for Marriage Rites
Topic:Book of Common Prayer
Committee:13 - Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music
House of Initial Action:Bishops
Proposer:Diocese of Rochester

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That this 76th General Convention direct the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to prepare, for consideration by the 77th General Convention, additional gender-neutral language for The Book of Common Prayer pastoral offices titled "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage," "The Blessing of a Civil Marriage," and "An Order of Marriage" (pages 422 through 438). These adapted liturgies could be made available for use until such time as they might be considered for incorporation into a future Book of Common Prayer.


EXPLANATION

The rites and rubrics in The Book of Common Prayer for the pastoral offices titled "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage," "The Blessing of a Civil Marriage," and "An Order of Marriage" (pages 422 through 438) only allow for marriage between a man and a woman. As of September 2008, two states (California and Massachusetts) allow civil marriages between two adults of the same gender. Eight territories and states (the District of Columbia Vermont, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington) allow civil unions or domestic partnerships between two adults of the same gender. The trend toward marriage equality or equivalency for same-gender couples is likely to continue.

This resolution would help us to be a more inclusive church. The Episcopal Church would officially recognize that presenting all couples with the opportunity to enter into a covenant with each other and before God, including all the rights and responsibilities that implies, would not only strengthen their families but all families.