(Please note that the page from the diocese introducing the letter with accompanying links may be found there).
This summer’s General Convention may authorize the use of a blessing service for those dioceses where the bishop gives permission, but that matter has yet to be decided.
Absent among the study materials will,of course, be scripture. I wonder what other groups are members of the parish family and as such, are entitled to a blessing on their conduct.
Also not listed among the recommended resources is February’s pastoral letter from the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland, “Marriage Yesterday, Today, and Always,” posted on this site on March 8:
http://mycatholicweb.org/marriage/files/2012/03/Marriage-Pastoral-LetterFINAL.pdf
The Bishop notes, “The Church’s formal definition of marriage has not changed…”
And, he takes the position that he favors “extending the blessings of the Church equally to all the members of the Church” noting that his position “departs from the tradition of the Church…”
So, he signs his own spiritual death warrant.
His words suggest that he would also support adultery, and the various -philias (necro-, paedo-, and the like).
There can be no logical objection to endorsing any of those “various -philias” or polygamous or bestial unions, or reversal of them until we go right back to Lambeth 1930 where the first concrete step in the sexual revolution was taken.
#4, agreed.
hyperbole abounds 😉
#4, #5,
Just about the same thing that Eric Mascall (of blessed memory) told me more than 30 years ago.