PA: Bethlehem Bishop Approves Same-Sex Blessings

November 17, 2009
The Living Church

Priests in the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem (Pa.) may now provide church blessings of same-sex couples. The Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall, Bishop of Bethlehem, announced his decision in a Nov. 16 email message to clergy.

Without mentioning Resolution C056 specifically, the bishop wrote that General Convention “empowered bishops to make ‘Generous Provision’ regarding pastoral and liturgical ministry to same-sex couples.”

Bishop Marshall wrote that such blessings should occur in church and that the Holy Eucharist should be celebrated when that’s appropriate. Other requirements are similar to those for couples preparing for marriage: One person must be a baptized Christian and the couple should receive counseling.

The bishop cautioned his priests not to confuse blessings and marriage rites. the rest