Episcopal Press and News

Massachusetts Parish Blesses Covenanted, Same-Sex Relationship

Episcopal News Service. February 8, 1990 [90029]

In response to what it called "a pastoral need," a parish in the Diocese of Massachusetts very quietly blessed a covenanted lesbian relationship during an evening prayer service on February 2 -- despite opposition from the diocesan bishop.

In a statement, St. John the Evangelist in downtown Boston said members of the parish "have seen the Holy Spirit at work and visible among us in the lives and relationships of loving and committed gay and lesbian people," but added that they have also experienced the pain that "comes from being denied full membership in the Body of Christ, including the recognition of faithful, committed relationships." The blessing is a "pastoral response," done "in a responsible manner with regard to both the church and our parishioners," after discussing the intention to move ahead with the diocesan bishop.

Bishop David E. Johnson said in a statement that he was sensitive to the pastoral need but "deeply saddened that the priests have chosen to act in this unilateral manner." While he didn't see any violation of the church's canon law, he emphasized that the blessing "was not an act of the Episcopal Church, nor has the church officially sanctioned or blessed the relationship in question." While the church continues to study the issue, Johnson said, "the ceremony at St. John's impairs the process."

In November 1987 the vestry of the parish formally asked the diocese for permission to bless same-sex couples during the Eucharist. The proposal was referred to the diocesan sexuality commission, which recommended such blessings in its report to the diocesan convention last November, saying "it should be possible" for a parish "to invite God's blessing" on a committed relationship. The report has been sent for discussion to the 190 parishes of the diocese.

Bishop Johnson previously warned the clergy not to go ahead with the blessing in a letter last spring. "The church does not bless any intimate, covenanted relationships outside the context of marriage," he wrote. "To do so would imply strongly a moral acceptance of such relationships. It is therefore inappropriate for a diocese, a parish, or a priest to move forward separately in this regard at this time." Until the church has made up its mind on the issue, "we will not act," he wrote.