View source for Talk:Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches

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==Other denominations==
This article fails to mention other denominations that have provided some form of blessings to same sex couples. I think the PCUSA has rites for commitment ceremonies. What about them? What about the United Methodists? [[User:MPS|MPS]] 15:00, 8 September 2005 (UTC)

:Not to mention Unitarianism and denominations completely outside of Christianity, such as Judaism and Wicca.  Urgh, there's probably a box that can be added to the article to indicate the types of additions that are needed...I'll see if I can figure it out.  --[[User:DavidK93|DavidK93]] 12:19, 11 April 2006 (UTC)

::I ended up renaming the page to end with "in Anglicanism."  Now the title accurately reflects the contents, and people can write articles about same-sex union blessings in other faiths if they want, and the articles can be merged in the future if deemed appropriate.  --[[User:DavidK93|DavidK93]] 12:48, 11 April 2006 (UTC)
:::I think that was a poor decision. I propose changing it back and adding other faiths. [[User:MPS|MPS]] 13:39, 11 April 2006 (UTC)
::::I disagree. The Anglican Church is having the highest-profile struggle over "The Issue". The United Methodists do not have such a rite at all, the PCUSA has a very limited allowance [http://www.pcusa.org/oga/ad-op/note07.htm] and prefer to assume that the couples are not actually having sex. Wicca, the United Church of Canada, the United Church of Christ, Unitarians, and Reform/Reconstructionist Judaism, wisely, actually have same-sex ''marriage''. Anyone left? [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] 22:10, 22 April 2006 (UTC)
:::::Your statement:'''The Anglican Church is having the highest-profile struggle over "The Issue"''' ...is incorrect. I have been following this issue for some time as well. A presbyterian (PCUSA) pastor recently made lots of news when he pronounced a same sex couple "married" when the presbytery specifically disallows "marriage" of a same sex couple while it allows an official "blessing" of their committment. Many people unfamiliar with the difference between a same sex '''blessing''' and a same sex '''marriage''' will benefit from discussion of this issue in a wikipedia article. The [[United Church of Christ]], that I am most familiar with, follows the [[congregational church governance]] model, so many of the UCC congregations have different marriage policies... for instance a recent minnesota minister recently refused to perform '''state marriages''' but he said he would '''bless''' same sex and different sex couples. Other churches just signed the "[http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=lexington+confession&btnG=Google+Search lexington confession]" stating that a marriage is between a man and a woman. The "official"  UCC policy on marriage is that the UCC does not have any binding policy that applies to the denomination. I would encourage you to consider the fact that your might have a certain POV on this issue about Episcopalians when in fact many different churches are dealing with or considering this same issue. [[ELCA]]s and [[Disciples of Christ]] come to mind. [[User:MPS|MPS]] 13:42, 24 April 2006 (UTC)

::I admit that I have a POV, but I submit that it is not because I am an Anglican, but rather because I am Canadian. Our denominational situation is different up here. The [[ELCIC]] recently voted against blessings, which leaves the matter settled for the moment at least. The [[Presbyterian Church in Canada]] is not having a debate at all, so forgive me for my ignorance about their American counterparts' situation. However, the citation I provided to PCUSA policy clearly offers a very limited blessing scheme. Our closest equivalent to the UCC is the [[United Church of Canada]], which does indeed provide marriage to queer couples. As regards the Disciples of Christ, we have them up here too (though not many) and I have never heard a peep from them on the issue (which is one that I follow closely).

::My main POV on this issue, however, is that "blessing" same sex unions is a cowardly compromise designed to accomodate queer couples to a limited extent while not shocking the establishment by upsetting the status quo. The role of a saints, it has been said, is to "disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed". [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] 12:23, 25 April 2006 (UTC)
:::These are great facts to know. Unless you had put it in wikipedia, I would have had very little knowledge of the status of "blessing" same-sex unions in any Canadian denomination. I don't want to sound heavy handed here but I ask you to consider whether there is a place in Wikipedia where these highly useful facts about [[Blessing of same-sex unions]] could be presented. ;)  [[User:MPS|MPS]] 14:00, 25 April 2006 (UTC)

Blessings for same-sex unions are not only discussed and allowed in Anglicanism..also other churches bless same-ssex unions...lutheran churches in Germany, reformed churches in Switzerland, Netherlands, ...--[[User:GLGerman|GLGerman]] 18:04, 25 July 2006 (UTC)GLGerman...so i think that should also part of the homepage...i will transfer it, where all churches, which bless same-sex couples, can be noticed.--[[User:GLGerman|GLGerman]] 18:04, 25 July 2006 (UTC)GLGErman
:Well, now we have a title which does not really reflect the contents of the page. If you're going to broaden the title, it would be nice of you to do some work on correspondingly broadening the article. Currently, the "Blessings in Christian churches unrelated to Anglicanism" is about two sentences long and lists only three churches, without any details. [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] 22:24, 25 July 2006 (UTC)

==Needs for Improvement of this article==

If this is an article on the status of blessing of same-sex unions in presumably ALL Christian churches, why does it read like an Anglican article?  Why does it exclude all mention of the majority of Christians?

Several improvements wich I would suggest for this article:

#The introduction should state that Christian Churches are divided on the issue.
#A terminology section is needed to decypher same-sex marriage, blessing, civil union etc. Even it is brief and mostly points the reader with such questions to other articles.
#A section is needed outlining the theological and other reasons some churches favor and some churches oppose same-sex unions.
#An outline of which churches whose practices are most favorable and least favorable to same-sex unions and those which are in between.
#Another section with the best available statistics on same-sex unions is also needed.
#At least a mention of some ecclesiastical divisions with pointers to relevant articles should also be included.

For the casual reader, this article raises more questions than it answers--okay for a homily, but not okay for an encyclopedia.  [[User:Vaquero100|Vaquero100]] 00:33, 26 July 2006 (UTC) 

:You can do your best to help, Vaquero1000,--[[User:GLGerman|GLGerman]] 20:45, 30 July 2006 (UTC)GLGerman
:: I think that dividing the world into "favorable" and "unfavorable" is a false division. Churches may have nuances that prohibit such easy categorization. Perhaps we should just list all the churches like the [[List of Christian denominational positions on homosexuality|denominational positions on homosexuality]] article but have it be called "[[List of Christian denominational positions on same sex marriage and same sex unions]]."[[User:MPS|MPS]] 15:55, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

== A majority or not? ==

Thge user [[User:MPS|MPS]] has changed the following text:

:''At present''' the majority''' of Christian Churches have either not approved any recognition of same-sex unions or have publicly opposed them.'' 

to:

:''At present '''a very large number''' of Christian Churches have either not approved any recognition of same-sex unions or have publicly opposed them.''

The rationale he offered is, "''majority implies 51%+. "large number" is more supportable without a source.)''" To that I say that this article is the source. The article lists almost every -- if not every -- church that doesn't disapprove of or hasn't publicly opposed same-sex unions. Many of these churches are themselves divided on the issue. Even without consulting an official source on the number of churches or denominations out there, it is plain that the majority of Christian churches have either not approved any recognition of same-sex unions or have publicly opposed them. 

I'm reverting that text. ~ [[User:Hairouna|Hairouna]] 02:28, 9 October 2006 (UTC)
:::Let me be clear... I am not against having "a majority" be in the article, but that is a mathematically precise term that we don;t have any sources (besudes, uh, wikipedia) that document this. If it is so clear to all involved then it shoudn't be that hard to find a reliable source OUTSIDE OF WIKIPEDIA that says this. Please review [[WP:NOR]] and [[Wikipedia:cite sources]] for more info on why original research doesn't pass muster at wikipedia.
:::: I agree that this article has provided '''many''' examples of churches that oppose SSM etc, but this only shows that a '''large number''' of churches have this policy, not that a [[majority]] have this policy. I am reverting back, but let's keep this dicussion going [[User:MPS|MPS]] 19:59, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

That's some confusing speech there. You aren't against it being in the article, yet you changed it and you think it qualifies as original work? I don't see anything in either of those articles that suggest that saying it's a "majority" is original work any more than I see anything that says saying it's a "large number" is original work.

I don't know any direct sources that outright say that the majority of Christian churches or Christians reject same-sex marriage, and I haven't been able to find any after 5 or so minutes of google searching, but I don't think that says anything. This is a commonly accepted fact, is it not? You say you aren't against it, so unless you can give a valid reason why you think it's original work I don't see why it should be changed. ~ [[User:Hairouna|Hairouna]] 22:36, 10 October 2006 (UTC)
:: Let me clarify my speech. I personally believe/intuit that the "majority" statistic is probably true, but without any evidence, I hesitate as a wikipedian to make such a strong claim. You would think [[George Barna|Barna Group]] or [http://hirr.hartsem.edu Hartford Institute for Religion Research] or some other religious research organization would have these stats. [[User:MPS|MPS]] 15:17, 12 October 2006 (UTC)

:Rather, I wouldn't expect that they would, since there's nothing to report there. It's far more likely that they'll have polls on the attitudes towards and positions on homosexuality (and they do) than a statistic about how many churches support same-sex unions. The fact is that there are so few, that these few are so confined to certain geographical areas, and that the issue is still not as huge as some make it to be that such research is unlikely. And the claim that there's a majority is just about as strong as the claim of many, especially since so few have favourable views on same-sex unions. ~ [[User:Hairouna|Hairouna]] 03:42, 14 October 2006 (UTC)
:: My whole point is that wikipedia doesn't have opinions on things... if wikipedia is the only organization in the whole world claiming something, then that violates [[WP:NOR]] even if the claim is correct. Lucky for us, there was a real research project ("World Religions and Same-Sex Marriage" Marriage Law Project July 2002) that agrees with your and my intuitions. I am going to update the claim with sourcing and blockquote. 97.6 % of US Christians and 99.97% of Christians worldwide believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. 

::[http://marriagelaw.cua.edu/publications/wrr.pdf pdf version]
::[http://www.law.seattleu.edu/library/samesexmarriage/section05.asp found here] 
{{quotation|Yet within this diversity, the over- whelming consensus among Christians is that marriage, by definition, requires a man and a woman. There are only minor exceptions (see part II.E below). These amount to 2.4 percent of Christians in the United States and 0.03 per- cent worldwide. We treat “Christianity” in terms of Catholicism, Orthodoxy, Protestantism, and Latter-day Saints. Then we address “The Exceptions" (those religious bodies that endorse same- sex “marriage”).}}

So? Many Christians who support same-sex blessings adhere to a heterosexual definition of marriage ''per se''. [[Andrew Hutchison]], for example. [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] 23:41, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

:Thanks, [[User:MPS|MPS]]. [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]], one person doesn't really count as many, especially when compared to a total of maybe 2 billion. I suspect that people like that would live almost exclusively in developed countries, and they don't even contain the majority of Christians. But even so, your claim actually suffers from what mine was accused of suffering from (:P): it's baseless and sourceless. ~ [[User:Hairouna|Hairouna]] 23:57, 14 October 2006 (UTC)

I'm not making a claim at all, but rather finding a hole in another. My point is simply that the survey quoted doesn't tell us whether a majority of Christians agree or disagree with blessing of same-sex unions, only whether they think that such unions are ''marriages''. Obviously, I am not presenting the Primate as "many" people. But then, I think you knew that already. [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] 00:01, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

:I suppose that if I say that there's probably no real distinction between the two in the minds of most, you'll ask me to source such a claim? ~ [[User:Hairouna|Hairouna]] 00:40, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

:Plus the language of the pdf suggests that they're considering same-sex unions in general. They repeatedly refer to the "marriages" are same-sex "marriages". ~ [[User:Hairouna|Hairouna]] 01:04, 15 October 2006 (UTC)
::::Ok, so here's the state of the union (sorry for the pun ;) )... 
::::*we do have source-cited statistics on Christians being a majority '''unfavorable''' to same sex '''marriage'''. 
::::*We do not have source-cited statistics on how many churches or Christians officially disparage  "blessing" of same sex unions or how many Christian churches officially/regularly provide such blessings.  
::::Because of this lack of statistics on the insidence of SSU, the "unfavorable" section merely explains why it's hard to document such blessings. Unless we get a source I am not comfortable asserting that "most" churches think blessing SSU is AOK. In wikipedia, it is not safe to assume anything... we have to cite sources on disputable issues. [[User:MPS|MPS]] 18:29, 15 October 2006 (UTC)
:::::#'''Agreed''' If we have the stats use them.  Just becomes some don't like the facts is no reason to disregard them[[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 07:10, 12 March 2008 (UTC)thright

==Non-Christian blessings?==
There appears to be no article that discusses the blessing of same-sex unions in non-Christian religions. Should this one be expanded to do so, or should a new, broader article be created? (Or am I just missing this article, which in fact already exists?)

[[User:DanB_DanD|<span style="color: #da000e;">Dan</span><span style="color: black;">'''B'''</span>†<span style="color: blue;">Dan</span><span style="color: darkblue;">'''D'''</span>]] 20:22, 31 December 2006 (UTC)
: Good question, but isn't the answer that this should be discussed in the [[same sex union]] article, and perhaps [[gay marriage]] articles??? [[User:MPS|MPS]] 22:01, 31 December 2006 (UTC)
:: Not as far as I can see. [[Same-sex union]] is a disambiguation page. [[Same-sex marriage]] is overwhelmingly political in its focus (which I am trying to correct). [[Blessing of same-sex unions]] redirects to [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches]]. [[User:DanB_DanD|<span style="color: #da000e;">Dan</span><span style="color: black;">'''B'''</span>†<span style="color: blue;">Dan</span><span style="color: darkblue;">'''D'''</span>]] 22:04, 31 December 2006 (UTC)
::: hmmm... you raise a good point. Maybe we should change the name of the article from [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches]] to [[Blessing of same-sex unions]] and have just a section on Christians. That might ruffle a few feathers but I would back you on it if you proposed a move vote. The other option is maybe create and article on [[Blessing of same-sex unions]] and list (with sources) other communities (religious communities?) that "bless" unions. I think this is a significant enough issue that I think you have wiggle room to be bold and create something that may be the 60% solution.  Go for it!!! [[User:MPS|MPS]] 22:10, 31 December 2006 (UTC)
:::: Not a good idea, seperating the secular from the non.  If done, it better come with a warning label, reader beware![[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 05:52, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

== Canada ==
Eastern synod does not speak for the whole church, and the ELCIC has ruled against the local option.  Please see the ELCIC website for more info.  [[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 07:02, 12 March 2008 (UTC)thright
:Thright, the fact that Eastern Synod "lost," as it were, doesn't mean that the events aren't noteworthy. Why are you so anxious to rewrite history? [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] ([[User talk:Carolynparrishfan|talk]]) 14:41, 12 March 2008 (UTC)
::what I deleted said that the elcic supported the notion, in fact NO synod in the elcic supports ssb.  Sorry if you dont like the stand, but wiki needs to reflect the truth.  Take care[[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 17:37, 12 March 2008 (UTC)thright
::: what it said: "In 2006, the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada's full communion partner through the Waterloo Declaration, voted to allow a "local option" provision similar to that in New Westminster, precipitating a dispute between the synod and the national church (which had previously rejected the proposal) as to where the authority to make that decision lay. In September of that year, the ELCIC's national church council ruled that authority to permit the local option lay with the National Convention.[22] The Council agreed to initiate further study on the issue and to bring forward another motion permitting the local option to the 2007 National Convention."  Given that the page is entitled "Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches", and in 2007 the national church rejected the eastern synods request, there is no room for the above on a page which is to outline churches which support ssb.  I am sure I can name all the churches in Canada that have had this discussion on this page, which in fact is not this pages purpose.  The fact is 2007 HAS PASSED and the results are in, NO ELCIC church supports ssb.  The above makes no mention of this, and the fact that it fail is evidence why it should not be on this page.  Yours in ethics, [[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 17:44, 12 March 2008 (UTC)thright
::::Thright, nowhere does the quote you provide suggest that the ELCIC as a body supports same-sex unions. This page is not only about denominations that support same-sex blessings, but to overview the positions of all major denominations, pro or con. And in fact there are ELCIC churches that support same-sex blessings. [http://www.stpauls-guelph St Paul's, Guelph] is one. The fact that 2007 has passed does not mean the past should not be written about. Or do you believe that [[National Socialism]] should be deleted because 1945 "HAS PASSED and the results are in." [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] ([[User talk:Carolynparrishfan|talk]]) 00:03, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
::::: Hi Carolyn,parrishfan, it is clear that you fail to understand the structure of the ELCIC.  Churches are not allowed to act alone, they must act according the the policies set forth by the national church.  Nowhere on the St.Paul's website does it say they support ssb.  All it says is that they are open to everyone.  Please brush up on your theology, there is a HUGE difference between ssb and being open.  It is clear that you do not understand the Lutheran Churches - ELCIC- stand and are acting because you want to push your personal ideas.  Please stop. I highly recommend you ask another Lutheran about the ELCIC policies.  Blessings [[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 00:48, 13 March 2008 (UTC)thright
Thright, don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. I am perfectly aware of Lutheran polity. No, Lutheran churches are not free to act alone. But you stated that "no ELCIC church *supports* same-sex blessings" which is simply not true (I used to attend St Paul's). I am constantly brushing up on my theology, but there is no need to take that tone. I have not pushed a personal opinion on anything; I have just insisted that the debate be covered. I don't care who "won" or "lost" it. But it's clearly notable, and blanking relevant information is tantamount to vandalism, which I must ask you to stop. I ask you directly: do you deny that the information on the debate is relevant? [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] ([[User talk:Carolynparrishfan|talk]]) 01:01, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
:Hi Carolynparrishfan, I'm sorry if you think I was harsh, which I was not, in anycase this page is about ssb which again the ELCIC does not support.  When the ELCIC supports ssb then it can be added to this page.  The MAJORITY of ELCIC members are in disagreement with ssb and you are offending a lot of people. And please dont call me a vandal for telling you the truth.  I have acted in a respectful manner and ask for you to do the same.  Please, the this discussion is over, and I ask you to inquire - maybe Pasterdavid as he is an admin and member of wiki lutheranism - before acting alone on this one. Blessings [[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 01:08, 13 March 2008 (UTC)thright
::Thright, do you understand that it doesn't matter whether the ELCIC supports SSBs or not, and that their position, as well as dissenting views from it within the ELCIC, are still relevant? [[User:Carolynparrishfan|Carolynparrishfan]] ([[User talk:Carolynparrishfan|talk]]) 01:09, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
::: this will be my last reply on the topic.  Carolynparrishfan, please ask for a third opinion.  Thank you[[User:Thright|Thright]] ([[User talk:Thright|talk]]) 01:20, 13 March 2008 (UTC)thright

== Blessing in [[Church of England]] ==
* [[31 May]] [[2008]]: In an [[anglican]] church of [[Church of England]] in [[London]] a gay couple in a [[civil union]] was  [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessed]] by english, anglican [[priest]]. <ref>[http://www.episcopalchurch.org/81808_97842_ENG_HTM.htm Episcopalchurch: Gay priests' civil partnership blessed in London church] </ref>  <small>—Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/212.95.119.20|212.95.119.20]] ([[User talk:212.95.119.20|talk]]) 21:53, 20 August 2008 (UTC)</small><!-- Template:UnsignedIP --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->

{{reflist-talk}}

== Blessing in [[Roman catholic]] church in Germany  ==
* [[20 August]] [[2008]]: In a [[Roman Catholic Church| catholic church]]  in german town [[Wetzlar]] in [[Hesse]] a [[gay]] couple in a [[civil union]] was [[Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches|blessed]] by german, roman catholic [[priest]] ''Peter Kollas''. Wetzlar ist part of [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Limburg]] in Germany. <ref>[http://www.fr-online.de/frankfurt_und_hessen/nachrichten/hessen/?em_cnt=1579558 Frankfurter Rundscha:Dekan muss gehen wegen Schwulen-Trauung] (german) </ref> <ref> [http://www.hr-online.de/website/rubriken/nachrichten/index.jsp?rubrik=36090&key=standard_document_35016926 Hessischer Rundfunk:] (german)</ref>  <small>—Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/212.95.119.20|212.95.119.20]] ([[User talk:212.95.119.20|talk]]) 21:52, 20 August 2008 (UTC)</small><!-- Template:UnsignedIP --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->

Also in 2003 five same-sex unions in german town [[Mönchengladbach]] in [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Aachen]] got in church a blessing. 

* [http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/vorab/0,1518,260660,00.html Spiegel:Riskanter Segen für gleichgeschlechtliche Paare (German)]
[[Special:Contributions/89.166.224.195|89.166.224.195]] ([[User talk:89.166.224.195|talk]]) 22:06, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

{{reflist-talk}}

== Blessing in Belgium ==
* [[United Protestant Church in Belgium]] ? In Belgium are same-sex marriages by state allowed. Maybe also blessing in [[United Protestant Church in Belgium]]. [[Special:Contributions/82.149.186.216|82.149.186.216]] ([[User talk:82.149.186.216|talk]]) 08:20, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

==Gay eucharists==
Apart from same-sex blessings, there are also reports about [[gay eucharist|gay eucharists]], or liturgical ceremonies, in Anglican churches. There should probably information about this somewhere. [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article2970772.ece] [http://virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=4264] [[User:ADM|ADM]] ([[User talk:ADM|talk]]) 07:47, 9 August 2009 (UTC)

== Germany ==
* The section on Germany seems to be missing words conveying the situation within those churches.  [[Special:Contributions/98.218.241.48|98.218.241.48]] ([[User talk:98.218.241.48|talk]]) 23:17, 6 October 2009 (UTC)
:You're right! +[[User:Angr|'''An''']][[User talk:Angr|''gr'']] 19:50, 7 October 2009 (UTC)

== Southern Baptists? ==

They aren't mentioned in the article, and they're a major denomination which opposes gay marriage.  <span style="font-size: smaller;" class="autosigned">—Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/71.239.169.230|71.239.169.230]] ([[User talk:71.239.169.230|talk]]) 14:46, 11 May 2011 (UTC)</span><!-- Template:UnsignedIP --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->
:I think they can be considered one of the "Evangelical/Fundamentalist Protestant denominations" listed under the header "Churches unfavorable to same-sex unions and marriage". There's no point in explicitly listing all such denominations. [[User:Angr|—Angr]] ([[User talk:Angr|talk]]) 15:59, 11 May 2011 (UTC)

== Presbyterian Church in USA==
On May 10, 2011, the presbyteries voted 205—56, with three abstentions, to approve the constitutional change.
* [http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/11/us/11presbyterian.html?_r=3 Presbyterians Approve Ordination of Gay People] [[Special:Contributions/92.252.85.161|92.252.85.161]] ([[User talk:92.252.85.161|talk]]) 11:14, 15 May 2011 (UTC)
: that is a good news. [[Special:Contributions/188.118.147.211|188.118.147.211]] ([[User talk:188.118.147.211|talk]]) 10:24, 25 May 2011 (UTC)

== Church of Scotland ==

* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/23/church-of-scotland-gay-lesbian-ministers Guardian:Church of Scotland votes to allow gay and lesbian ministers]

Also [[Church of Scotland]] allows on its General Assembly in 2011 open homosexual ministers, who live in civil unions. [[Special:Contributions/188.118.147.211|188.118.147.211]] ([[User talk:188.118.147.211|talk]]) 10:24, 25 May 2011 (UTC)

== Quakers ==
In 2009, already british [[Quakers]] said "yes" to same-sex marriages and allowed blessings.
* [http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2009/aug/03/quaker-gay-marriage?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 Guardian:Quakers make the right decision] [[Special:Contributions/188.118.147.211|188.118.147.211]] ([[User talk:188.118.147.211|talk]]) 10:24, 25 May 2011 (UTC)

== United Reformed Church ==
In 2011, also the [[United Reformed Church]] in United Kingdom allowed the blessing of same-sex unions.
* [http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16813 United Reformed Church:United Reformed Church votes to host same-sex civil partnerships] [[Special:Contributions/47.64.255.139|47.64.255.139]] ([[User talk:47.64.255.139|talk]]) 09:52, 13 March 2014 (UTC)
[[Special:Contributions/47.64.255.139|47.64.255.139]] ([[User talk:47.64.255.139|talk]]) 09:52, 13 March 2014 (UTC)

== Canada:Evangelical Church in Canada ==

In July 2011 Evangelical Church in Canada permits blessing of same-sex unions and allows open homosexual priests. [[Special:Contributions/188.118.140.75|188.118.140.75]] ([[User talk:188.118.140.75|talk]]) 07:47, 24 July 2011 (UTC)
+ [http://www.anglicansamizdat.net/wordpress/anglican-church-of-canada/evangelical-lutheran-church-in-canada-votes-to-bless-same-sex-marriage-and-is-cheered-on-by-the-anglican-church-of-canada/ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada votes to bless same-sex marriage][[Special:Contributions/188.118.140.75|188.118.140.75]] ([[User talk:188.118.140.75|talk]]) 09:08, 24 July 2011 (UTC)

== Debate in UMC ==

Methodists in [[UMC]] debate blessing of same-sex unions. The Methodist Church is “the last holdout” among mainline Protestant denominations, as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ all now ordain gay ministers and bless same-sex unions. 
* [http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/08/26/ProGay_Methodists_Prepare_to_Challenge_Church/ Advocate:ProGay Methodists prepare to challenge church] [[Special:Contributions/92.252.72.41|92.252.72.41]] ([[User talk:92.252.72.41|talk]]) 11:44, 27 August 2011 (UTC)

== Re-name? ==

The distinction between the blessing by churches of same-sex unions and same-sex marriages is getting increasingly blurred. It really depends on the law of the land - and some countries are upgrading unions to marriage. I think it makes sense therefore to rename this article to "Blessing of same-sex marriages and unions in Chritian churches". Any thoughts? [[User:Contaldo80|Contaldo80]] ([[User talk:Contaldo80|talk]]) 09:38, 27 July 2012 (UTC)
:Hey Contaldo, I know you waited 3 days, and this is a good faith proposal, but it fails WP:CRITERIA "Conciseness – Titles are concise, and not overly long." Why not take this to WP:RM. &ndash; [[user:Lionelt|Lionel]] <sup>([[user talk:Lionelt|talk]])</sup> 09:37, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

::I can't think how you would shorten it, though, as it's quite a specific issue? It's unsatisfactory as it stands as marriage is obviously not the same as a union. The other option is to split the article into two, but I think that's more confusing. I suppose we could try something like "Christian blessing of same-sex marriages and unions" (which actually has the same number of words as the current title) - does that help? How will bringing it to WP:RM help - will they come up with suggestions as to how to handle? [[User:Contaldo80|Contaldo80]] ([[User talk:Contaldo80|talk]]) 10:07, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

:::If there are no objections then I'm going to change the article name to: Christian blessing of same-sex marriages and unions. [[User:Contaldo80|Contaldo80]] ([[User talk:Contaldo80|talk]]) 09:10, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

==Views of those who oppose same-sex unions and/or marriage==
Multiple problems leading to serious NPOV issues.  One, these statements are made as if they are statements of fact.  They are, in fact, opinions.  Two, the article is "Blessing of same-sex unions in Christian churches".  Statements about churches that don't give their blessing are for a different article, not this one. -00:00, 12 October 2012 (UTC)  <span style="font-size: smaller;" class="autosigned">— Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/2601:1:9480:2E:8586:C542:C885:E3E0|2601:1:9480:2E:8586:C542:C885:E3E0]] ([[User talk:2601:1:9480:2E:8586:C542:C885:E3E0|talk]]) </span><!-- Template:Unsigned IP --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->

== Iceland ==
In [[Church of Iceland]] blessings of same-sex couples are allowed. [[Special:Contributions/178.3.23.62|178.3.23.62]] ([[User talk:178.3.23.62|talk]])
:Source? [[User:Angr|Angr]] ([[User talk:Angr|talk]]) 17:24, 21 October 2012 (UTC)

* [http://icelandreview.com/news/2008/07/02/first-lesbian-couple-iceland-marries-church IcelandReview:First Lesbian Couple in Iceland “Marries” in Church, January 2014] 
[[User:Marintosalla|Marintosalla]] ([[User talk:Marintosalla|talk]]) 15:37, 3 July 2015 (UTC)

== Unitarian Universalists? ==

Why are the Unitarian Universalists on the list? They aren't really a Christian denomination, so aren't they outside the scope of this article?  <span style="font-size: smaller;" class="autosigned">— Preceding [[Wikipedia:Signatures|unsigned]] comment added by [[Special:Contributions/70.198.128.5|70.198.128.5]] ([[User talk:70.198.128.5|talk]]) 05:26, 14 July 2013 (UTC)</span><!-- Template:Unsigned IP --> <!--Autosigned by SineBot-->


== [[Church of England]] in 2013 ==
* [http://www.advocate.com/politics/religion/2013/11/28/church-england-plans-blessings-gay-couples Advocate.com:Church England plans blessing gay couples]
In 2013, Church of England plans blessing of gay couples. [[Special:Contributions/188.96.190.196|188.96.190.196]] ([[User talk:188.96.190.196|talk]]) 03:08, 1 December 2013 (UTC)

:More details would be welcome. When will this or did this begin?  Maybe something about the deliberations that led to this and the reactions of those who disagree.  The reactions of those who agree are probably more predictable and thus less necessary to include. [[User:Sterrettc|Sterrettc]] ([[User talk:Sterrettc|talk]]) 17:54, 3 December 2013 (UTC)

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== Section "Theological differences between support and opposition" ==

The section headed '''Theological differences between support and opposition''' was misleadingly titled. It implied that some sort of comparison of views would be presented. Insted, the section had a single sub-section and no other content. Having a section whose only content is a single subsection is poor layout in any case.

I have therefore renamed the subsection to '''Theological views of those who support same-sex unions and/or marriages''', promoted it to a full level 2 section, and removed the header '''Theological differences between support and opposition'''. If anyone thinks this is unwise, the matter can be discussed here, with or without a revert.  [[User:DESiegel|DES]] [[User talk:DESiegel|<sup>(talk)</sup>]][[Special:Contributions/DESiegel|<sub>DESiegel Contribs</sub>]] 22:51, 24 July 2017 (UTC)

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== On the definition of "blessing" ==

I've noticed that the opening paragraphs do not define "blessing", and it appears that the term may be interpreted differently in the sections for different churches.  From what I can see, the term "blessing" in this article original must have referred to a ceremony inside a church that legitimizes or affirms a permanent cohabiting union between two people.  Such ceremonies are meant as a wedding-like ceremony for people who would otherwise not qualify for marriage (e.g. homosexuals in a country or church where homosexual marriage is not an option).

The word "bless" can, however, also simply mean to accept or to condone, and may not refer to holding a ceremony in which an ordained person legitimizes the relationship.  See, for example, how the opening sentence was change to read "blessing of same-sex unions '''and same-sex marriages'''", which may indicate that the author of that change thought that "blessing" here means to condone.

I therefore suggest that we define "blessing" in the opening paragraph.
* Do you agree with me that "blessing" in this article refers to whether churches have such ceremonies and/or wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples, and does not refer to simply acceptance of same-sex unions?
* Do you think the article should be specifically about wedding-like ceremonies, or should it rather be about the churches' acceptance of formalized same-sex unions (which, in many countries, are actually legal and/or regarded by the governments to be equal to marriage)? --[[User:Leuce|leuce]] ([[User talk:Leuce|talk]]) 15:22, 1 November 2018 (UTC)

== A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion ==
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* [[commons:File:The Dove and Cross. Stained-glass window at Church of Our Savior MCC (Metropolitan Community Church, Church), 2011 South Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, Florida 33435, USA.jpg|The Dove and Cross. Stained-glass window at Church of Our Savior MCC (Metropolitan Community Church, Church), 2011 South Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, Florida 33435, USA.jpg]]<!-- COMMONSBOT: discussion | 2022-09-20T22:07:16.734513 | The Dove and Cross. Stained-glass window at Church of Our Savior MCC (Metropolitan Community Church, Church), 2011 South Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, Florida 33435, USA.jpg -->
Participate in the deletion discussion at the [[commons:Commons:Deletion requests/Files in Category:Church of Our Savior MCC, Boynton Beach, Florida|nomination page]]. —[[User:Community Tech bot|Community Tech bot]] ([[User talk:Community Tech bot|talk]]) 22:07, 20 September 2022 (UTC)

== Makes no sense ==

"''* On May 11, 2022 again in more than 100 Roman-Catholic churches in Germany blessings of same-sex marriages were celebrated, for example in the Roman-Catholic cathedral in [[Magdeburg]], and in [[Essen]] was first time a Roman-Catholic bishop with [[Ludger Schepers]] at place.<ref>[https://www.die-tagespost.de/kirche/aktuell/erster-bischof-bei-segnung-queerer-paare-dabei-art-228419 Die Tagespost: Erster Bischof bei öffentlicher Segnung queerer Paare dabei], May 2022</ref>''"
This paragraph makes no sense whatsoever. [[User:Kiltpin|Kiltpin]] ([[User talk:Kiltpin|talk]]) 11:57, 7 February 2023 (UTC) [[User:Kiltpin|Kiltpin]] ([[User talk:Kiltpin|talk]]) 11:57, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

{{reflist-talk}}