a priest's musings on the journey
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Disappointment
SIGH
I was to bless a same sex union this coming Sunday at a parish in my diocese. The couple has been together for 23 years. All was arranged, until the senior warden decided she didn't like the idea. So, it's been cancelled- well postponed until the rector can do some "educating" UGH- Mother of God, pray for me!!!
Worse still, Sunday is actually their "anniversary", and I can not even say a prayer or blessing to commemorate their anniversary- as is customary in many Episcopal churches for the anniversaries of heterosexual anniversaries. Of course I will privately, but they deserve the public acknowledgement of their fidelity and love... I mean, they've been together longer than most heterosexual couples.
Well, I have a good mind to make the straight couples who have anniversaries fast from a blessing as well, if the gay couple must. Let them wait until the rector can do some 'educating' as well. After all, aren't we called to bear one another's burdens? When one suffers, don't we all?
of course I don't like the idea of witholding grace and blessing to anyone. This is just so sad and unfair.
Please, say a prayer for this couple. I can't imagine how devastated and betrayed they must feel.
I was to bless a same sex union this coming Sunday at a parish in my diocese. The couple has been together for 23 years. All was arranged, until the senior warden decided she didn't like the idea. So, it's been cancelled- well postponed until the rector can do some "educating" UGH- Mother of God, pray for me!!!
Worse still, Sunday is actually their "anniversary", and I can not even say a prayer or blessing to commemorate their anniversary- as is customary in many Episcopal churches for the anniversaries of heterosexual anniversaries. Of course I will privately, but they deserve the public acknowledgement of their fidelity and love... I mean, they've been together longer than most heterosexual couples.
Well, I have a good mind to make the straight couples who have anniversaries fast from a blessing as well, if the gay couple must. Let them wait until the rector can do some 'educating' as well. After all, aren't we called to bear one another's burdens? When one suffers, don't we all?
of course I don't like the idea of witholding grace and blessing to anyone. This is just so sad and unfair.
Please, say a prayer for this couple. I can't imagine how devastated and betrayed they must feel.
:: posted by Padre Rob+, 10:26 PM
16 Comments:
Prayers and strong feelings of anger from this side of the atlantic.
FB
xxx
FB
xxx
A day late, but prayers coming the way of you and the dear couple. Thank goodness they have a helpful priest, at least!
I pray that some day your congregation will rejoice to see all blessed and celebrated.
With only a word or two changed in the usual anniversary prayer it can be used for all couples and that is what we did at our church. Everyone got the same prayer and we were blessed to rejoice in the love of all the couples in the community. If one averaged the number of years together, the lesbian and gay couples had more years than 90% of the straights.
May this couple and you be so held in God's love that joy and peace be yours during the painful interim.
With only a word or two changed in the usual anniversary prayer it can be used for all couples and that is what we did at our church. Everyone got the same prayer and we were blessed to rejoice in the love of all the couples in the community. If one averaged the number of years together, the lesbian and gay couples had more years than 90% of the straights.
May this couple and you be so held in God's love that joy and peace be yours during the painful interim.
:(
Thank you all for your kind regards and prayers. I will pass the love on to the couple as well.
Oops, I'm a little late, too; I think they are blessed in their Priest, and in so much more from your testimony, and in the love and prayers of us all. We do in fact share one another's burdens; may we do so more fully as our Lord leads.
They are already blessed, you would have just let everyone know.
yes, they are blessed, toujoursdan. (and it's not like everyone in the parish doesn't know it too)... they are loyal, faithful parishioners. Thanks for your encouragement though!!!
Well said Rob!
PadreRob: Since you posted this, we couldn't find words to express disappointment and empathy. When we hear about loved ones' enthusiasm blocked, we pain [en-theos, Gk enthousiazein, God breathed; their moment of Spirit-filled joy was desecrated]. This is an example of why the orthodox definition of evil is the deliberate denial and negation of one's theosis imposed by other, whether by thought or by deed This is what happened to them on Sunday. They were blocked (momentarily) from their progress from glory to glory. The blessings of the Holy Spirit, its grace and mercy, cannot be impeded; their tears of sorrow will turn to tears of joy. Stand ready to complete that union!
Could you not offer something in their home in the meanwhile or print something in the bulletin in the announcements?
HI Christopher,
Yes, a private rite is no problem at all; it was hoped that the full community could celebrate at Mass in the Church with the full dignity and equality offered to all other baptized Christians. They all share the body and blood of Christ every week... they should be able to share in the Church's blessing of their fidelity and love. It's clear we still have a long way to go.
Thanks for the note! Peace
Yes, a private rite is no problem at all; it was hoped that the full community could celebrate at Mass in the Church with the full dignity and equality offered to all other baptized Christians. They all share the body and blood of Christ every week... they should be able to share in the Church's blessing of their fidelity and love. It's clear we still have a long way to go.
Thanks for the note! Peace
Thinking of this couple today... Hope they and you had a good weekend...
Peace,
Jane
Peace,
Jane
A HUGE sigh here too. The pain inflicted by the church is still too real in my heart.
thanks Jane
Greg, I'm sorry to hear that. I will say a prayer for you, that you will be surrounded by healing grace. Peace.
