OK, a bit more on how that went.
The plenary sessions are available to review online, but the summary of them is that they provided background for the task. The work was done in the small groups. The purpose was to give the task group members feedback on the issues related to the liturgies. Many things came up in the groups. One group had some dissension over the fact that the whole event was being carried out as though the fact of same sex blessings being authorized by the church was presumed. Clearly, not everyone was in agreement, but everyone agreed to stay at the table and talk. That's always a good sign.
It was presumed. The purpose of the event was to discuss the various aspects of same sex blessings to assist the task group in coming up with theological and liturgical resources for those blessings. The purpose was not to debate whether it should happen. That debate has been had.
One thing, a very important thing, which was clarified is that same-sex marriages will not be addressed. Currently, the Canons do not permit clergy to actually perform weddings of same sex persons. That's for the future and a different resolution. With respect to that, however, customs in Europe and other places were discussed. The marriage doesn't occur in the church. The marriage is strictly a civil affair, presided over by he appropriate civil functionary, and the church service is a blessing of the marriage.
We can also expect to see requirements for counseling and the like very much like those for opposite sex couples. The issues are truly the same. Here are two people who want to spend their lives together seeking the blessing of the church. Instruction is appropriate - regardless of the composition of the couple.
One of my personal concerns about these rites would be that they would serve to distinguish same sex couples from opposite sex couples. I asked that the rites be written in such a way as to be appropriate for both same sex and opposite couples who may want to use them. It isn't perfect, but equality has not yet been achieved. That will take time, the overturn of DOMA, changes to the Canons, and likely other things I'm not remembering or thinking of at this time. The important thing is that we are making the effort to take the initial steps.
Let us all continue to pray for the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music as they work on this task.
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