Get Church Out of Marriage Business, Bishop Harris Tells Integrity Eucharist

July 11, 2009

The church should get out of the marriage business, said the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris during Integrity USA’s General Convention Holy Eucharist on Friday night.

Bishop Harris endorsed the belief—widespread among Episcopal clergy—that couples should turn to the state for civil marriage ceremonies and to the church for subsequent ceremonies of blessing.

“Marriage is a civil contract to which the church, in the name of God, adds a blessing,” she said.

Taking a shot at patriarchy, the bishop joked that same-sex marriage is a longstanding pattern: “Historically, marriage was a contract between a father and a groom.” the rest