Same-Sex Blessings

Same-sex blessing is a highly debated and very touchy subject for most people to talk about. Over the course of General Convention 77 I tracked the same-sex blessing resolution (A049). I learned many things that I didn’t know about how the church and the nation in general treat same-sex couples. When same-sex couples get married in a state that recognizes same-sex marriages, then cross state lines into a state that does not the marriage is recognized legally but they are not recognized as a true couple. Worse then that if the couple has children they cross in to a state that doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage they will not be considered parents and could lose their children if they do not fight the government for custody.

The largest resolution connected with same-sex blessings was allowing the church to bless same-sex couples. The resolution first went to the House of Bishops and many of the bishops commended the Presiding Bishop on how she and the other authorities within the church addressed the matter. Eventually the resolution passed on to the House of Bishops after being voted on by a roll call vote.

Once in the House of Deputies the deputies spoke for or against the resolution. One of the deputies that spoke on the resolution was Deputy Jenna Guy from Iowa. She said “It’s always with great pride that I tell people of the inclusive nature of this church.” I have found this to be true as well. The resolution then passed the House of Deputies with 78 percent approved in lay order and 76 percent in the clergy order. According to MSNBC the Episcopal Church is the biggest Christian church to approve the blessing of same-sex unions. Along with the passing of this resolution, resolutions on transgendered people passed as well. This is indeed a big step for the Episcopal Church and hopefully more to come.

 - Gracie, St. Tim's, West Des Moines