Proposed Liturgies for Same Sex Blessings in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia

Here are the two same sex blessing liturgies that will be officially circulated to the laity and clergy of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia following the actions of Annual Council last weekend. You can read original report of the "Windsor Dialogue Commission" posted at the diocesan website.

LITURGY – IN THANKSGIVING FOR A COMMITTED RELATIONSHIP

The Holy Eucharist Rite Two

In Thanksgiving for a Committed Relationship I

“Of the six forms provided (BCP pp. 383-393), none are required. Any of them may be used or adapted to the occasion. They may also be replaced by other forms. All that is required is that the topics listed at the top of page 383 be included in the prayers” (Enriching Our Worship, 54). This collect, suggested readings, and prayers of the people are intended to be used with the Book of Common Prayer’s Rite II Eucharist.

The Collect of the Day

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before you for all members of your holy Church, especially N. and N., that in their lives and ministry they may truly and devoutly serve you; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Suggested readings are:

Ruth 1:16-17
1 Samuel 18 1, 3; 191b; 20:16-17, 41-42
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Colossians 3:12-17
Suggested readings from the Gospel are:

John 15:9-12
Matthew 5:13-16

Prayers of the People

The couple desiring to make a statement of commitment comes forward at the invitation of the celebrant. Standing before the congregation, the two persons read a prayer or prayers asking for God’s grace and committing themselves to support and care for one another. It is essential that the persons seeking to make the statement of commitment prepare their petitions in advance, in consultation with the celebrant. Their prayers may be read jointly or alternatively, and be in the form either of a single petition or a series of versicles and responses. The prayers should include a request for God’s grace and assistance.

Let us pray for N. and N. who come before this community today to give thanks for the
grace of companionship and to make a covenant to live together in faithfulness and love.

Grant, O Lord, that N. and N. be sheltered under your wing, welcomed as your own flock,
and serve the Church together to your glory.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.


Bestow on N. and N. the grace to be faithful to each other for better or worse, for richer or
poorer, in sickness and in health that they might love and cherish each other until they are
parted by death.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Grant them wisdom and devotion in the ordering of their common life, that each may be
to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a
companion in joy.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Give them grace, when they hurt each other, to recognize and acknowledge their fault,
and to seek each other’s forgiveness and yours.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Make their home a place of refuge for those in fear, a place of hospitality for those in
need, and a place of renewal for those who are weary.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

May their lives together be lives of service and prayer for their neighbors, their nation,
and the world that their ministry may be a sign of God’s mercy in this troubled world.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

We give thanks for those who have died in hope of the resurrection, [including
______who were loved by N. and N.] May we share with all your saints in the eternal
kingdom.

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Grant that the bonds of our common humanity, by which all your children are united one
to another, and the living to the dead, may be so transformed by your grace, that your will
may be done on earth as it is in heaven; where, O Father, with your Son and the Holy
Spirit, you live and reign in perfect unity, now and forever.

Amen.

Before the exchange of the Peace, members of the congregation may come forward and lay hands upon the couple. The service continues with the exchanging of the Peace. At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be presented to the ministers by the couple that has made the statement of commitment.
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The Holy Eucharist Rite Two In Thanksgiving for a Committed Relationship II

“Of the six forms provided (BCP pp. 383-393), none are required. Any of them may be used or adapted to the occasion. They may also be replaced by other forms. All that is required is that the topics listed at the top of page 383 be included in the prayers” (Enriching Our Worship, 54). The following form is provided for congregations that wish to include prayers for a same-sex couple among the Prayers of the People at the Eucharist. It is based on Form VI of the Prayer of the people, Prayers and Thanksgivings (BCP pp. 810-41), and the Form of Commitment to Christian Service (BCP pp. 420-21). It may be further adapted.
The Leader and People pray responsively.

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

Silence

For all people in their daily life and work;
For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

For this community, the nation, and the world;
For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;
For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;
For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

For all bishops and other ministers;
For all who serve God in his Church.

For those who have died;
For the grace to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of your heavenly kingdom.

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation;
For this couple that comes before us this day.

For all the blessings of this life;
For family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

The couple desiring to make a statement of commitment comes forward at the invitation of the celebrant.

Standing before the congregation, the two persons read a prayer or prayers asking for God’s grace and committing themselves to support and care for one another.

It is essential that the persons seeking to make the statement of commitment prepare their petitions in advance, in consultation with the celebrant. Their prayers may be read jointly or alternatively, and be in the form either of a single petition or a series of versicles and responses. The prayers should include a request for God’s grace and assistance.

At the conclusion of the prayers the celebrant says the following prayer:

For those we Love
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to your never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that you are doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The following prayer may also be added:

For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look
with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and
work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly
throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace

The celebrant may then say to the people

The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People And also with you.

At the Offertory, it is appropriate that the bread and wine be presented to the ministers by the couple that has made the statement of commitment.

Read it all here, starting on page 35.