OREGON BISHOP UPHOLDS MARRIAGE BETWEEN MAN AND WOMAN

March 15, 2004

A Letter to the Clergy of the Diocese of Oregon

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you well know, many churches and communities in our diocese continue to struggle with issues coming out of our recent General Convention. In recent weeks, the Massachusetts state legislature and the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners here in Oregon have made it possible for persons of the same gender to be married. Both of these prescriptive actions continue to be disputed in our courts and have caused considerable disagreement among legislators and members of their constituencies.

I do know that as clergy on the front lines of conversation and discussion, some may have sought your advice, counsel, or opinion on this topic of current discussion. Please know of my support for your ministry, especially during these trying and somewhat difficult times.

I am writing not only to express my thanks for your leadership during this time, but to clearly articulate the position of our church on the subject of marriage. As noted in our canons (Title 1, Canon 18, 19) and as reflected in the content and context of our liturgy of Holy Matrimony, we continue to uphold and honor the sanctity of marriage and recognize this as a union between one man and one woman.

As a church we view, marriage in deeply spiritual terms in a manner that signifies the sacred mystery of union between Christ and his Church. Marriage in the Church is not simply a contractual relationship of union as prescribed by civil law; it represents a solemn and public covenant between one man and one woman in the presence of God in the context of a Christian community.

Our theology of marriage, as reflected in our liturgy notes: "The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God."

At this point, the Episcopal Church does not formally recognize any other form of marriage; nor does it formally recognize any liturgy that is contrary to the teaching or canons of the Episcopal Church.

As members of the clergy we are all bound to uphold and follow the teachings of the Church and follow those guidelines as prescribed in our canons. Given the charged climate in which we find ourselves, I hope that this guidance is helpful, particularly in your conversations with others on this subject. I do hope that in the months to come we can prayerfully continue conversations on this subject and other issues that define us as a people of God. I wish you and all the members of your church-family a holy and blessed Lent.

Faithfully,

Yours in Christ,

Itty, PhD Bishop

Episcopal Diocese in Western Oregon. 11800 SW Military Lane Portland, Oregon 97219-8436. Phone: 503-636-5613 / 800-452-2562. FAX: 503-636-5616 http://www.diocese-oregon.org