FINAL VERSION
Resolution:C019
Title:Amend Marriage Canons to Reflect Civil Law
Topic:Canons
Committee:13 - Prayer Book, Liturgy and Church Music
House of Initial Action:Bishops
Proposer:Diocese of Newark

Resolved, the House of _______ concurring, That this 76th General Convention make the following modifications to the canons:

Canon 18: Of the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony, be amended to substitute the words "two persons" where the words "a man and a woman" appear;

Canon 19: Of Regulations Respecting Holy Matrimony: Concerning Preservation of Marriage, Dissolution of Marriage, and Remarriage be amended to substitute the word "spouse" where the words "husband or wife" appear; and be it further

Resolved, That this Convention does not authorize any additional public rites for the Pastoral Offices of Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage or The Blessing of a Civil Marriage but notes that, subject to the direction of the diocesan and in accordance with the canons, the rites set forth in those offices may be modified when the needs of the congregation so require.


EXPLANATION

It is important that The Episcopal Church modify its canons to reflect the gender neutrality now reflected in the law in those states where the law permits equality in marriage rights. Nothing in this resolution would require bishops, dioceses or clergy that do not wish to perform or permit the performance of certain marriages to do so.