Episcopal Church May Soon Offer Rite of Blessing for Same-Sex Couples

Episcopal Church May Soon Offer Rite of Blessing for Same-Sex Couples

KFSM Fort Smith

Gay and lesbian couples who are wishing to make a lifetime commitment to each other in a religious ceremony...may soon be able to do so at one church in northwest arkansas.

The Saint Paul Episcopal Church in Fayetteville recently voted to perform a rite of blessing for same-sex couples.

The Reverend Lowell Grisham started by presenting the idea to the vestry, which is the governing board for the the church's congregation.

Grisham asked that the vestry make a decision about whether it was a good idea for his church to offer the rite of blessing for gay and lesbian couples.

After presenting the idea, Grisham then asked the vestry to develop a process for granting same-sex couples the opportunity to exchange their vows in a religious ceremony.

Grisham believes he received promising news from the congregation's governing board.

But although all twelve members of the vestry have expressed their support, there are still others who are opposed to this rite of blessings.

Marcus Carruthers, a pastor for a non-denominational church in Fayetteville, believes in sticking by what he says is written in the Bible.

The Reverend Lowell Grisham, now plans to present his thoughts on this rite of blessing to the general convention that will be held in Indianapolis this summer.

After members of the convention hear Grisham's ideas, he and members of his church will then look to the bishop about whether this pastoral offering will indeed be a positive move for the church.

If the bishop approves of the rites of blessing, same-sex couples will soon be able to make their lifelong commitments to each other at Saint Paul Episcopal Church.