Twenty-five dioceses and nine theological seminaries were represented at the second National Consultation for Episcopalians on the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions July 18-20 at the College of Preachers on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral.

Bishops, priests and lay persons discussed biblical, historical, liturgical and pastoral considerations in the development of a rite of blessing open to couples of the same gender. Participants heard presentations on considerations related to marriage and other forms of commitment, as well as an overview of the pastoral, educational and practical issues facing a parish community which chooses to express its thanksgiving for God's love manifested in the love of a couple in its midst.

Participants spent considerable time on the further development and revision of "An Illustration of a Rite for the Celebration of Commitment to a Life Together," produced when the consultation met three years ago. The document provides an illustration for the blessing of same-sex unions along with theological reflections on the need for such a rite.

The consultation also developed a resolution for presentation at the 1997 General Convention in Philadelphia calling for the Standing Liturgical Commission to develop such a rite to be offered to the church for authorized use.