We greet with joy the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the right of same-sex couples to marry throughout the United States. This is a fundamental matter of equal treatment under the law, with profound implications for the ways in which couples and their families are supported in their life together by societal structures. We are deeply grateful that such equal treatment has now been affirmed by our nation’s highest court.
The Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer includes in the marriage rite a prayer that the couple seeking God’s blessing might so order their life together “that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.” It is evident to us that same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples aspire equally to this description of marriage, and by God’s grace make it manifest.
That they should be supported in doing so not only with God’s blessing, but also with recognition and equal treatment under the law is a thing to be celebrated.
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan