NJ bishops allow clergy to officiate at same-sex marriages

[hrmjustin]

By Mary Frances Schjonberg

[Episcopal News Service] Same-sex couples in the state of New Jersey began getting married shortly after midnight Oct. 21 after the state’s Supreme Court released to postponed enactment of a lower court’s ruling.

Diocese of Newark Bishop Mark Beckwith said on Oct. 18 shortly after the state Supreme Court opened the door to same-sex weddings that he gave thanks for that action. He said he knew that many diocesan priests were preparing to officiate at those weddings.

Beckwith allowed Newark clergy to bless civil unions starting in February 2007 after New Jersey enacted a civil union law. His Oct. 18 statement listed his expectations for clergy who officiate at marriages.

In the Diocese of New Jersey, clergy were being sent a pastoral letter Oct. 21 from Bishop George Councell, who is due to retire Nov. 2, and Bishop-elect William H. Stokes, who will be ordained and consecrated that day, outlining guidelines for clergy who are asked to perform same-sex marriages.

Read more at http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/10/21/newark-new-jersey-bishops-allows-clergy-to-officiate-at-same-sex-marriages/

[idwiyo]

1. K&r

[wryter2000]

2. I figured that would be the Episcopalians

I don't know why we haven't had any same sex marriages at my church yet. We have baptized the babies of our gay and lesbian couples.

[hrmjustin]

3. What Diocese are you in?

[wryter2000]

4. Diocese of California

Which pretty much means the SF Bay Area. I attend St. Paul's in Oakland.

[hrmjustin]

5. It depends on whether the bishop gave permission.

[wryter2000]

6. I'm sure he has

Actually, our rector made it known that any same sex couple who wants to get married should follow the regular procedure. In fact, we have a pair of women who were married in the church before Prop8. It's just a matter of someone deciding to get married.

[hrmjustin]

7. That means they have to wait 6 months for counseling with the clergy. My Rector only allows

parishioners to marry in our church.