Episcopal Press and News
WASHINGTON: Bishop supports same-gender marriage in District of Columbia
Episcopal News Service. November 16, 2009 [111609-05]
Mary Frances Schjonberg
Episcopal Diocese of Washington Bishop John Bryson Chane said Nov. 16 the he supports legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia.
Chane announced his endorsement in a column on the website of the Washington Post newspaper, headlined "Christian case for same-sex marriage."
The bill, titled "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009," was introduced in the Washington D.C. Council in October. After public hearings, its sponsors promised revisions, including to make it easier for clergy to refuse to conduct such marriages without violating the District's anti-discrimination laws. A vote on the bill is expected before Christmas and it is expected to pass the council. Whether the bill is enacted depends on Congress, which can review D.C. legislation.
In May, the council approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.
"I would say respectfully to my fellow Christians that people who deny others the blessings they claim for themselves should not assume they speak for the Almighty," Chane wrote. "The church has deepened its understanding of the way in which faithful couples experience and embody the love of the creator for creation. In so doing, it has put itself in a position to consider whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry.
"Theologically, therefore, Christian support for same-sex marriage is not a dramatic break with tradition, but a recognition that the church’s understanding of marriage has changed dramatically over 2,000 years."
Chane also praised the D. C. Council for its sensitivity to issues of religious liberty.
"D.C.'s proposed marriage equality law explicitly protects the religious liberty of those who believe that God’s love can be reflected in the loving commitment between two people of the same sex and of those who do not find God there," Chane wrote. "This is as it should be in a society so deeply rooted in the principles of religious freedom and equality under the law."
Like some other Episcopal Church bishops, Chane permits the clergy in his diocese to bless same-sex relationships. He said the diocese is examining the church's canons to determine whether priests will be allowed to sign marriage licenses if same-sex marriage becomes legal.
The Episcopal Church's General Convention last July passed Resolution C056, saying that bishops, "particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this church." The resolution also called for the collection and development of theological and liturgical resources for blessing same-gender unions.
The Washington Post reported October 30 that more than 200 area clergy had come out in support of the bill. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese, however, said November 11 that it would discontinue social-services programs (including those involving adoption, health care and care for the homeless) if the bill passes.
Chane said the next day that it is not surprising that the Episcopal Church and the Roman Catholic Church "have reached different conclusions" about the bill, given that the two churches "have significant theological differences on the issue of same-sex relationships."
"Episcopalians understand that none of us has the right to violate the human rights of another individual. That’s the law of the District of Columbia," Chane said. "More important, it's at the core of the Gospel. I hope that the least among us will not be victimized by the struggle over this legislation, and I pray that people of faith will come forward to provide food and shelter if the need arises."
The Episcopal Diocese of Washington consists of 89 congregations, including Washington National Cathedral, and more than 40,000 baptized members in the District of Columbia and the Maryland counties of Montgomery, Prince George's, Charles and Saint Mary's, according to a diocesan news release about Chane's statement.
