The Rt. Rev. Wayne P. Wright, Bishop of Delaware, announced recently that the Diocese of Delaware has issued standards for blessing same-gender relationships.

The four-part standards require: 1. There must be substantial agreement and understanding for the blessing within the congregation; 2. At least one member of the couple being blessed must be an active member of the congregation where the blessing will take place; 3. The couple must receive significant counseling and pastoral preparation; and 4. The standards will be in effect for two years, are only applicable in the Diocese of Delaware, will be reviewed periodically, and may be revised prior to their expiration.

Development of standards came after three congregations — St. Peter's in Lewes, Immanuel on the Green in New Castle, and the Cathedral Church of St. John in Wilmington — requested them. Their development began under Bishop Wright's predecessor, the Rt. Rev. Cabell Tennis. Bishop Wright said he indicated his support for their continued development when he was a candidate for bishop in the diocese.

"This for us is a pastoral decision, part of a prayerful public study," Bishop Wright said. "The best decisions are made when there is this kind of thoughtful prayer and study. The standards are only for our diocese. Different dioceses have taken somewhat different approaches."

In announcing the decision, Bishop Wright noted that several other dioceses have issued guidelines for blessing partners in same-gender relationships. It is believed, however, that this is the first time both the bishop and diocesan standing committee have jointly made specific guidelines public.

In a letter announcing the standards to the clergy under his pastoral care, Bishop Wright said the new standards permit freedom to disagree.

"No one will be asked to act against the dictate of conscience," he wrote. "[The standards] gives us the opportunity to speak clearly about the importance of inclusion and welcome in the church. They are in step with the larger Episcopal Church and based upon recent General Convention actions."

Bishop Wright did not respond directly as to whether the standards are in step with resolutions on human sexuality made by worldwide Anglican bishops at the Lambeth Conference in 1998.

"I was present at Lambeth," he replied.