...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.
