Dear people of God,

On Thursday, June 6, 2013, The Rt. Rev. Steven Miller, Bishop of the Diocese of Milwaukee, met with many of the clergy of the Diocese of Milwaukee at Zion Episcopal Church in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Here is the link to Bishop Miller's letter summarizing the meeting and his stance on same-gendered marriage and the current rite to bless same-gendered blessings approved by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2012 for conditional use. Please read the letter to get the context of this blog post.

A letter from Bishop Miller on same-gendered blessings.

I was a part of this very open, honest meeting that was very painful for me. I'm thankful for the Bishop's willingness to engage in this conversation. I'm thankful for my fellow clergy's willingness to engage in this conversation. I'm also thankful that anyone who wishes to receive the rite of a same-gendered blessing may apply for permission to the Bishop of Chicago, The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Lee.

I'm thankful that this isn't the end of the conversation. Speaking as a priest of the Episcopal Church serving in the Diocese of Milwaukee, I will be one pushing for the repeal of the ban on same-gendered blessings in the state of Wisconsin and, if possible, nationally. Also, I will be one working toward a suitable blessing rite of same-gendered couples as full marriage is prohibited by the state, even if not on the Bishop's appointed committee.

I am aware that there are people with perspectives from all sides of this issue. I am also aware that some people may be upset by my stated position. I encourage all of us, including myself, to be led and formed by the Holy Spirit. I pray that we will engage in conversation and make room for every one around God's table. I leave you with the collect "For the Church" from page 816 of the Book of Common Prayer:

Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.


Blessings,

Fr. Kenny