The Diocese of San Diego does not have a general policy that applies to all same-sex couples seeking a blessing, however, Bishop Mathes has given our clergy approval to proceed pastorally in celebrating the union of LGBTQ members. All clergy must receive express permission of Bishop Mathes. Congregations must study the Holiness in Relationships Task Force Report (.pdf in sidebar) and receive the vestry’s permission before proceeding. Each individual wishing to receive a blessing must write a letter to Bishop Mathes explaining what the service means and how it will change his or her life. If a congregation does not want to support same-sex blessings, that position is honored as well.
Same-sex marriage is not currently legal in California.
Our policy is to have no policy…but…our policy is also to permit you to bless same sex couples..but remember, that policy is really no policy. It’s unusual to see TEC dioceses still bothering to engage in such childishness (it’s just so 2007).
Bishop Mathes really shoud spend some time dealing with the subject of Marraige. His diocese had 183 Marraiges in 2002 and 76 in 2010. That is an awesome decline of 58.5 percent in just 8 years. Statmann
Perhaps the diocese is hoping that all these gay “marriages” count toward official stats? Then they won’t look so bad. Sigh. This “position” is really no position.
I thought Q meant “Questioning.” I hope I was wrong.
It could be this–“We are supportive of same-sex unions, but we put the “couples” through so much red tape that we’re really not supportive of them”.
Gutless. I have more respect for people who take a stand, for certain, one way or the other.
Looks like they are doing something but amounts to nothing – apparently the mitre compression does affect blood flow to the brain so as to constrict thinking, or at least, logic.