…actually, given that I sang with the choir, maybe it’s more accurate to say that I took part in history. On Saturday, April 10, beginning at 4:30 in the afternoon, the first blessing of a same-sex union to take place in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio took place. At my church, which is kind of cool–but not surprising, given that the clergy and congregation were on board for this sort of thing years before it became a possibility. It’s one of the things I love about St. Stephen’s.
I make the statement about being part of history in the making, in part, to remind myself that it is a big deal. Because it didn’t feel that way. It was a beautiful ceremony, and very “high church” (we even sang a song in Latin), but in a way it seemed quite ordinary. And, while I knew ahead of time that someone from the Columbus Dispatch would be there, there were several people taking pictures, and I couldn’t readily identify which photographer was with the press.
Here’s the story that appeared in yesterday’s Columbus Dispatch. I particularly like this quote from our bishop (whose book I will have to read one of these days): “It’s not about lowering the moral bar,” Breidenthal said. “It’s about keeping it high …and inviting same-gender couples into the same accountability and support we offer married people.”
I recommend reading the whole article. When I heard that the press would be there, I sort of winced in anticipation of a sensationalist angle the media surely felt compelled to pursue. They didn’t. The article is accurate and respectful, giving a nice summary of this particular ceremony, as well as what is required if a couple wishes to receive a blessing of sacred union.
