Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music
Digital Archive for General Convention Resolution 2009-C056
This page contains diocesan resources submitted to, or gathered by, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) and The Archives of the Episcopal Church for purposes of study and discussion. Statements and policies pertain to issues surrounding the blessing and union of same sex couples, and may include resolutions, policies, and reports. If you have additional or more recent resources, please contact the Project Manager, Keri Aubert at kaubert@cdsp.edu.
Diocesan Resources
Alabama
Letter from Bishop Parsley to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. Henry N. Parsley, Diocese of Alabama: March 2, 2010 (Doc. 008).
Arkansas
Same-sex Blessings in the Diocese of Arkansas
The Rt. Rev. Larry Maze, Diocese of Arkansas: July 19, 2006 (Doc. 029).
Bethlehem
Letter from Bishop Marshall to the Clergy of the Diocese of Bethlehem
The Rt. Rev. Paul Marshall, Diocese of Bethlehem: November 16, 2009 (Doc. 009).
California
Celebrations and Blessings for Covenants, Associations and Other Relationships (A six part document)
Diocesan Commission on Liturgical Renewal of the Diocese of California: c.1984 (Doc. 027).
In All Our Loving, We Praise You, O God; Celebrating Relationships at Good Shepherd Church: A Report to the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing
The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Diocese of California: Berkeley, December, 1994 (Doc. 022).
Report to the 156th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California
The Bishop's Task Force on Marriage and Blessing, Diocese of California: San Francisco, June, 2005 (Doc. 010).
Report to the 158th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of California
The Commission on Marriage and Blessing, Diocese of California: San Francisco, October, 2007 (Doc. 011).
A Study Document Based on the Proposed Rite "The Celebration and Blessing of a Covenant in Love"
Bishop's Theology Group of the Diocese of California: January, 1987 (Doc. 030).
Central Florida
Response to the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music Re C056 (Resolution R-8, Diocese of Central Florida, 41st Annual Convention)
Diocese of Central Florida: January 30, 2010 (Doc. 012).
Central New York
Letter from Bishop Adams to the Clergy of the Diocese of Central New York
The Rt. Rev. Gladstone B. Adams III, Diocese of Central New York: June 27, 2011 (Doc. 135).
Chicago
Guidelines for the Solemnization of Holy Union: Guidelines and Liturgy for Clergy and Congregations Wishing to Perform Blessings of Same-Sex Unions in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
Author Unknown, Diocese of Chicago: June 1, 2011 (Doc. 127).
Colorado
Final Report: Parish Commission on the Solemnization of Relationships
Parish Commission on the Solemnization of Relationships, St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Diocese of Colorado: Denver, February 8, 1993 (Doc. 117).
Connecticut
Blessing of Same-Sex Unions: Report
Diocesan Liturgy and Music Commission, Diocese of Connecticut: No date (Doc. 120).
El Camino Real
Email from Bishop Gray-Reeves to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, Diocese of El Camino Real: February 13, 2010 (Doc. 017).
Report of the Diocese of El Camino Real Task Force on the Theology of Marriage
Task Force on the Theology of Marriage, Diocese of El Camino Real: November, 2010 (Doc. 086).
Fond du Lac
Letter from Bishop Jacobus to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. Russell E. Jacobus, Diocese of Fond du Lac: December 30, 2009 (Doc. 018).
Idaho
A Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Idaho
The Rt. Rev. Brian Thom, Diocese of Idaho: July 30, 2009 (Doc. 007).
Iowa
150 Iowa Clergy: We Support Same-Sex Marriage
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, et al., Diocese of Iowa: February 16, 2010 (Doc. 103).
Guidelines for Addressing Same Gender Marriage in the Diocese of Iowa
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Diocese of Iowa: October 3, 2009 (Doc. 089).
Guidelines for Marriage/Blessing at St. John's Episcopal Church, Mason City
St. John's Episcopal Church, Diocese of Iowa: November 16, 2009 (Doc. 098).
A Pastoral Response to the Iowa State Supreme Court Ruling on Equal Marriage
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Diocese of Iowa: Good Friday, 2009 (Doc. 090).
Summary Report on the Survey of the Diocese of Iowa Regarding Activity with Marriages since the Iowa State Supreme Court Ruling
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Diocese of Iowa: September 8, 2010 (Doc. 092).
What Our Faith Demands of Us, Even if We Disagree
The Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, Diocese of Iowa: September 27, 2009. Published in the Des Moines Register (Doc. 091).
Long Island
Letter from the Rt. Rev. Orris G. Walker Jr., Episcopal Bishop of Long Island and a Rite for Celebrating the Blessing of Convenantal Relationships
The Rt. Rev. Orris G. Walker Jr. and the Commission on Liturgy and Music, Diocese of Long Island: February 16, 2010 (Doc. 071).
A Theological Perspective and Practical Guideline on Marriage in the Diocese of Long Island as New York State Allows Same-Gender Marriage
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Diocese of Long Island: July 8, 2011 (Doc. 133).
Los Angeles
Should the Church Bless Same Sex Unions?
The Rev. Warner R. Traynham, Rector, St. John's Episcopal Church, Diocese of Los Angeles: October 19, 1987 (Doc. 053).
Some Questions and Answers: The Sacramental Blessing of a Life-Long Covenant
Bishop’s Task Force on Marriage, Diocese of Los Angeles: December, 2008 (Doc. 123).
Maine
Draft Guidelines for the Blessing of a Covenant between Two Persons of the Same Gender
The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, Diocese of Maine: September 23, 2010 (Doc. 072).
Guidelines for Addressing Same Gender Marriage in the Diocese of Maine
The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, Diocese of Maine: October 20, 2009 (Doc. 130).
Massachusetts
Questions & Answers Generating from Conversations with Clergy of this Diocese
Diocese of Massachusetts Task Force on Christian Unions, Diocese of Massachusetts: No date (Doc. 106).
Resource Materials for the Discussion of Marriage and the Blessing of Holy Unions
Task Force on the Blessing of Holy Unions, Diocese of Massachusetts: Summer, 2004 (Doc. 102).
Statement
The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, Diocese of Massachusetts: November 29, 2009 (Doc. 104).
Michigan
Christ Church, Detroit service draws vocal opposition
Herb Gunn, The Record: Special Issue: The Affirmation of Same-Sex Relationships and the Episcopal Church. Volume 41 , Number 9. Diocese of Michigan. November, 1992 (Doc. 026).
The Heart of the Issue: Same sex unions and the Episcopal Church
Lucinda Keils, The Record: Special Issue: The Affirmation of Same-Sex Relationships and the Episcopal Church. Volume 41 , Number 9. Diocese of Michigan: November, 1992 (Doc. 025).
In Celebration of Lesbians and Gay Men: A Work in Progress
The Rev. Dr. Anne C. Garrison, Assistant to the Bishop for Human Sexuality and Alcoholism with the Committee of Concern of the Diocese of Michigan: August, 1987 (Doc. 024).
Minnesota
St. Mary's Episcopal Church Newsletter
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Diocese of Minnesota: January, 2011 (Doc. 118).
Montana
Letter from Bishop Brookhart to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. C. Frankling Brookhart, Jr., Diocese of Montana: February 11, 2010 (Doc. 073).
New Hampshire
Statement from the Bishop on the Blessing of Same-Sex Unions
The Rt. Rev. Douglas E. Theuner, Diocese of New Hampshire: November 25, 1996 (Doc. 028).
New York
Letter from Bishop Mark S. Sisk to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Diocese of New York: January 6, 2010 (Doc. 074).
Same Sex Marriage & Blessing Policy Defined
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Diocese of New York: June 29, 2011 (Doc. 134).
Newark
Diocese of Newark Civil Union Task Force: Interim Report
Civil Union Task Force, Diocese of Newark: December 1, 2007 (Doc. 124).
Interim Report
Civil Union Task Force, Diocese of Newark: December 1, 2007 (Doc. 087).
Letter from Bishop Mark S. Sisk to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. Mark S. Sisk, Diocese of New York: January 6, 2010 (Doc. 074).
North Carolina
Guidelines for the Discernment and Preparation for Same Sex Blessings at St. Philip’s Church
St. Philip's Church, Diocese of North Carolina: 2004 (Doc. 111).
A Reflection On One Parish’s Process of Reaching Consensus on the Blessing of Same Sex Unions
The Rev. Scott A. Benhase, Diocese of North Carolina: Fall, 2004 (Doc. 113).
Report of the Task Force on Changing Patterns of Sexuality and Family Life
Diocese of Newark: c.1987 (Doc. 031).
Northern California
Concerning the Service: Two Rites for Trial Use for the Blessing of a Holy Union/Covenant Relationship
Diocese of Northern California: January, 2010 (Doc. 014).
Regarding the Covenant Blessing of a Relationship in the Diocese of Northern California
Diocese of Northern California: January, 2010 (Doc. 006).
Rochester
Marriage Equality Statement
The Rt. Rev. Prince G. Singh, Diocese of Rochester: July 21, 2011 (Doc. 132).
San Diego
Report of the Task Force on Holiness in Relationships and the Blessing of Same-Sex Relationships
Task Force on Holiness in Relationships and the Blessing of Same-Sex Relationships, Diocese of San Diego: June, 2009 (Doc. 075).
San Joaquin
Authorization for the Blessing of Sacred Unions
Diocese of San Joaquin Commission on Equality: No date (Doc. 125).
Concerning the Service of Sacred Union and Blessing
Author Unknown, Diocese of San Joaquin: No date (Doc. 126).
Some Questions and Answers: The Sacramental Blessing of a Sacred Union
Commission on Equality, Diocese of San Joaquin: April, 2011 (Doc. 085).
Southeast Florida
Pastoral Guidelines for Blessing of Civil Marriages Between Same-Gendered Couples
The Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, Diocese of Southeast Florida: Draft. Fall, 2010 (Doc. 076).
Southern Ohio
Blessing of Same-Sex Unions in the Diocese of Southern Ohio: Theological Reflections; Policies and Procedures; Trial-Use Liturgy; Web and Print Resources
The Rt. Rev. Thomas E. Breidenthal, et al., Diocese of Southern Ohio: 2010 (Doc. 077).
Vermont
A Pastoral Letter to Clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont
The Rt. Rev. Thomas Clark Ely, Diocese of Vermont: August 24, 2009 (Doc. 078).
A Report to the Bishop and People of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont from the Task Force on the Blessing of Persons Living in Same-Gender Relationships
Diocese of Vermont: June 8, 2004 (Doc. 003).
Virginia
Report of the Windsor Dialogue Commission of the Diocese of Virginia
The Windsor Dialogue Commission, Diocese of Virginia: 2009 (Doc. 083).
Washington
Letter from Bishop Chane to the Clergy of the Diocese of Washington Regarding the Implementation of the Marriage Equality Act in the District of Columbia
The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, Diocese of Washington: March 4, 2010 (Doc. 079).
West Missouri
Email from Bishop Howe to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. Barry R. Howe, Diocese of West Missouri: January 4, 2010 (Doc. 081).
West Virginia
Letter from Bishop Klusmeyer to Dr. Ruth Meyers
The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, Diocese of West Virginia: January 5, 2010 (Doc. 082).
Western Massachusetts
Draft Statement on the Blessings of Same-Sex Marriages in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts
Task Force on the Blessing of Same Sex Unions in the Diocese of Western Massacusetts: No date (Doc. 107).
Western New York
A Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Western New York
The Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin, Diocese of Western New York: July 24, 2011 (Doc. 136).
Last update September 12, 2011
Retired March 4, 2021