As of Advent I, 2018, all clergy in Southern Virginia may use the trial rites for marriage – including same-gender marriage - without permission from the office of the Bishop.  The normal diocesan requirements for marriage after divorce will continue to apply as before. For obvious pastoral reasons, it is recommended that all clergy continue be diligent in their efforts to hold thoughtful theological conversations about same-gender marriage with parish leadership – especially if the use of such rites has not yet been introduced to the parish.

As has always been the case, parish clergy with primary authority (rector, priest in charge, etc.) are free to decide for themselves whether or not to perform any marriage – same-gender or otherwise. In other words, no clergy person in the Episcopal Church is obliged to perform any particular marriage.

Liturgies

The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage

The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage II

Click here for the Declaration of Intention
 

Task Force on Marriage resource

"Dearly Beloved" is a tool-kit for the study of marriage created in 2014 by The Episcopal Church's Task Force on the Study of Marriage.
 

LGBT in the Church

In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church declared that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church" (1976-A069). Since then, Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and inclusion of all of God’s children.

Useful links and resources:

The Episcopal Church: LGBT in the Church

This page of the national church web site offers links to a variety of resources and documents.

Institute for Welcoming Resources

The purpose of this ecumenical group is to provide the resources to facilitate a paradigm shift in multiple denominations whereby churches become welcoming and affirming of all congregants regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. IWR wants to help build church homes that are truly welcoming and nurturing, where everyone knows “they're okay, just like they are.” IWR offers a number of useful resources, including “Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit”

Integrity USA

Founded in 1975, Integrity is the largest grassroots organization for LGBT concerns within the Episcopal Church.

Trans Student Educational Resources

A youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment. In addition to creating a more trans-friendly education system, their mission is to educate the public and teach trans activists how to be effective organizers. TSER believes that justice for trans and gender nonconforming youth is contingent on an intersectional framework of activism. Ending oppression is a long-term process that can only be achieved through collaborative action. www.transstudent.org

The Center for Lesbian & Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry

CLGS has a mission to advance the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and transgender people and to transform faith communities and the wider society by taking a leading role in shaping a new public discourse on religion, gender identity, and sexuality through education, research, community building, and advocacy. www.clgs.org