In 1985, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church resolved that "homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance and pastoral concern and care of the Church." Since that time we have been blessed to see great strides taken toward achieving the full inclusion of LGBT people into the Episcopal Church's life, worship and witness. But God is not finished with us yet.
Some of us are blessed to have experienced a church that welcomes us, affirms our ministries, blesses our relationships. Having been so blessed, we are committed to claiming that blessing for those who cannot yet claim it for themselves: those outside the church who do not know that the "Episcopal Church Welcomes You" sign includes them, as well as those inside the church who have not yet received the love, acceptance and pastoral concern and care of the church.
"Claiming The Blessing" is a partnership of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight people and organizations who believe that until all of us are invited everywhere the Reign of God has not yet been realized. We believe that we are called to the work of abolishing prejudice and oppression, promoting wholeness in human relationships, and to healing the rift between sexuality and spirituality in the church. To that end, we commit ourselves to obtaining approval, at the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, of a liturgical blessing of the faithful, monogamous relationship between two adults.
To achieve these goals we have formed a three-year intentional collaborative partnership. The collaborative includes the three leading LGBT justice organizations in the Episcopal Church (Integrity, Oasis and Beyond Inclusion), several other justice organizations (among them The Witness, the Episcopal Women's Caucus, Oasis California, the Bishop's Commission on Gay and Lesbian Ministry in Los Angeles) as well as individual leaders in the Episcopal Church. Our work has three primary program goals:
Creation of a clear, definitive, accessible theological statement in support of the liturgical blessing of same-sex relationships. This work will be done by a team of several respected theologians and then disseminated in a number of media formats (website, video, and print) to laity and clergy. We also plan to make available stories of lives being changed, churches growing and the Spirit moving in progressive, inclusive congregations and in LGBT relationships;
Establishment of a systematic program for educating and encouraging support from General Convention Deputies for legislation to create a liturgy for same-sex blessings, including offering a training conference for Deputies;
Convening a major conference in November 2002, led by prophetic theologians, to educate, train and plan for "Claiming the Blessing" at General Convention 2003 in Minneapolis.
We believe that we have been blessed in order to be a blessing -- and we are determined to see the day when the promise of "full and equal claim" is realized for all people. Our passion for this work comes out of our passion for the Gospel, out of our understanding that the liberating work of the Spirit of God will not be done until all people are free and welcome at the banquet table. Won't you join us in "Claiming The Blessing"?
Susan Russell is an Episcopal priest serving in the Diocese of Los Angeles.