"I will bless you so that you will be a blessing."– Genesis 12.2

The General Convention of the U.S. Episcopal Church resolved in 1976 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 great strides toward realizing that "full and equal" claim have been taken. But although there are a growing number of places in the church where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) persons are welcomed, affirmed in their ministries and blessed in their committed relationships, there are many more places where lgbt people are still not fully included in the life of the church. A coalition of leading lgbt justice organizations in the Episcopal Church – Integrity, Beyond Inclusion and Oasis ministries – along with numerous individuals, is seeking to claim that blessing of full inclusion for all persons who for whatever reason are currently unable to marry. Called "Claiming the Blessing" (www.claimingtheblessing.org), this partnership has committed itself to obtaining approval at the 2003 General Convention of a liturgical blessing, which celebrates the holy love in a faithful sexual relationship, enabling couples in these relationships to see in each other the image of God.