Church & State

Commission on Marriage & Blessing
Episcopal Diocese of California

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In addition to the development of rites for the blessing of same-gender unions and resources for use in catechizing couples and congregations about holy relationships, the Commission on Marriage and Blessing has also determined to engage matters of church and state. For example, the question of whether or not clergy should act as functionaries of the State in marriage/civil union was raised numerous times by both clergy and laity in the context of the work of our predecessor group, the Bishop’s Task Force on Marriage and Blessing.

Having completed the first phase of our work in developing rites, we will turn our attention in 2008 to matters relating to church and state. Please tell us if you would like to help in this part of our work.

In engaging the task before us, the Commission on Marriage and Blessing celebrates the intention of the Episcopal Diocese of California to support and bless both same-gender and heterosexual couples in godly relationship, while hoping for the day when ‘marriage equality’ will be the reality in our Church and State.