In reviewing a number of extant marriage and union rites, the Commission on Marriage and Blessing has selected three extant rites for adaptation and endorsement:

·        “The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage” and derivative rites from The Book of Common Prayer

·        “Marriage Litugy, Second Form” from A New Zealand Prayer Book

·        “A Rite for the Celebration of Gay and Lesbian Covenants” from the Diocese of New Westminster in the Anglican Church of Canada

CMB acknowledges that we have determined to let each rite ‘speak for itself’ in terms of the theology of relationship inherent in each rite. Other than to adapt the rites for use in blessing the relationships of same-gender couples, we have not, therefore, undertaken to change or adapt the underlying theology or understanding of holy union in the three rites.

For example, some question the teaching set forth in The Book of Common Prayer (page 423), which asserts “our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee,” viewing this assertion as an overstatement of what that story is really telling. Is the story in John 2:1–11 intended as a teaching on or endorsement of holy matrimony as it was known in the first century CE? Or is it, as suggested in A New Zealand Prayer Book, a teaching about “new beginnings,” represented not only in the union celebrated therein but also in Jesus’ creation of wine from water: “A wedding is one of life’s great moments, a time for good wishes, feasting and joy. St. John tells us how Jesus shared in such an occasion, and gave there a sign of new beginnings.” (A New Zealand Prayer Book, page 779)

We leave it to the clergy, couples, and congregations to explore the theology underlying each rite and to make such reasonable adaptations as seem appropriate. We trust such study and use of the rites will assist the church in continuing to develop its understanding and theology of marriage/union, with regards to both same gender and heterosexual couples.

We welcome your feedback on these adaptations and on the documents “Concerning the Service” and “Lectionary.” Lines are numbered in each rite to assist the user in offering feedback to CMB.

In engaging the task before us, the Commission on Marriage and Blessing celebrates the intention of the Episcopal Diocese of California to support and bless both same-gender and heterosexual couples in godly relationship, while hoping for the day when ‘marriage equality’ will be the reality in our Church and State.