Episcopal Press and News

IOWA: Bishop says court ruling on same-gender marriage clarifies issue facing church

Episcopal News Service. April 14, 2009 [041409-06]

Mary Frances Schjonberg

Episcopal Diocese of Iowa Bishop Alan Scarfe has told his diocese that he cannot permit diocesan clergy to sign marriage licenses for same-gender couples despite the recent Iowa Supreme Court ruling that the state cannot limit marriage to heterosexual couples.

Scarfe said that the court's ruling "clarifies for me what the issue is that is facing the church," adding that "like so many who support the rights of gay and lesbian people, I thought civil unions would provide adequate protection for their relationships," but that the arguments to the court began to change his mind.

"Prayers and the seeking of blessing with the receiving and witnessing of the couple in the company of the people of God are a pastoral decision at the parochial level in the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa," Scarfe said in his statement. "That was the situation before the possibility of marriage, and remains in practice now. What is now clear is that the church is discussing the nature of the sacrament, not civil rights. The court has provided us with a definitive debate. While that debate continues, some will enjoy a new freedom for which I am grateful and rejoice."

Scarfe wrote, "As an Episcopal bishop I honor the fact that the title of the ruling names an Episcopal couple. I know many Episcopal clergy and baptized who have worked and prayed to see this day.

"I also know that I am the bishop of the whole diocese in a global communion as well as a catholic church, and we are not of one mind on this issue," he added. "It ought to be no surprise that I desire the church to find the will and way to move forward beyond our focus on this disagreement to the more fundamental mission of God which we share."

The complete text of Scarfe's Good Friday pastoral response is here.