Pasadena Rector: Gay Unions will 'Support Sanctity of Marriage'

May 25, 2008

Following the California Supreme Court decision removing restrictions on state recognition of same-sex marriage, the vestry and rector of All Saints’ Church, Pasadena, announced May 22 that it would “treat equally” all couples presenting themselves for the rite.

“As a priest and pastor, I anticipate with great joy strengthening our support of the sanctity of marriage as I marry both gay and straight members and thus more fully live out my ordination vow to nourish all people from the goodness of God’s grace,” said the Rev. Ed Bacon, rector.

Massachusetts is the only other state where gay marriage is legally recognized. After it was legalized in 2003, Bishop J. Thomas Shaw, SSJE of Massachusetts said only General Convention could permit The Episcopal Church to extend the liturgical sacrament of marriage to homosexuals. Bishop Shaw does permit priests under his authority to bless a same-sex relationship in which a civil marriage first has been performed.

A spokesperson for Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said the announcement by All Saints’ was a matter to be dealt with at the diocesan level. the rest