A Michigan-based gay rights foundation has given more than $400,000 to a California seminary to help craft formal liturgies for the Episcopal Church to bless gay and lesbian relationships.
The Episcopal Church still officially considers marriage between a man and a woman, reflected in the marriage rite of its Book of Common Prayer. Many dioceses, however, unofficially allow priests to bless same-sex relationships and even marriages.
Because the church puts a high value on scripted liturgies, many same-sex couples want their own marriage/blessing rite since many bishops are reluctant to use the traditional husband-wife marriage liturgy for same-sex unions.
The church’s 2009 General Convention gave the green light to collecting “theological and liturgical resources” that would form the basis of an official same-sex rite that could be added to the list of approved ceremonies.
The money has been granted by the Arcus Foundation, which is based in Kalamazoo, Mich. Arcus describes itself as
[blockquote]”a leading global philanthropic funder advancing pressing social jsutice and conservation issues. Specifically, Arcus works to advance LGBT rights, as well as to conserve and protect the great apes.” [/blockquote]
What a combination!
Why am I not surprised that the money is going to CDSP? Right smack dab in the core of the ultra liberal belt.
I’d be fascinated to know just what goes into the, what “research” on this?? Isn’t it easy enough to blaspheme normal marriage services into ones you want or just make it up as you go along? It’d be interesting to see how much money went to the entire re-do that led to the 1979 BCP. Of course that takes into account *everyone* not just a special group. Too funny.
Looks to me like a bribe.