NJ bishops allow clergy to officiate at same-sex marriages [View all]
By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service] Same-sex couples in the state of New Jersey began getting married shortly after midnight Oct. 21 after the state’s Supreme Court released to postponed enactment of a lower court’s ruling.
Diocese of Newark Bishop Mark Beckwith said on Oct. 18 shortly after the state Supreme Court opened the door to same-sex weddings that he gave thanks for that action. He said he knew that many diocesan priests were preparing to officiate at those weddings.
Beckwith allowed Newark clergy to bless civil unions starting in February 2007 after New Jersey enacted a civil union law. His Oct. 18 statement listed his expectations for clergy who officiate at marriages.
In the Diocese of New Jersey, clergy were being sent a pastoral letter Oct. 21 from Bishop George Councell, who is due to retire Nov. 2, and Bishop-elect William H. Stokes, who will be ordained and consecrated that day, outlining guidelines for clergy who are asked to perform same-sex marriages.
Read more at http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2013/10/21/newark-new-jersey-bishops-allows-clergy-to-officiate-at-same-sex-marriages/
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