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COLORADO SPRINGS: Centennial Pastor Exchanges Rings With Same-Sex Partner
Episcopal Bishop Reviewing Ritual Between Rector, Her Partner
Associated Press
May 28, 2004
CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The Episcopal bishop who pledged not to bring same-sex rites to Colorado before he could study their impact is reviewing a ritual between an assistant rector and her partner.
Colorado Bishop Robert O'Neill is reviewing a ceremony between the Rev. Bonnie Spencer of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Centennial and lay member Catherine Anderson in April.
Spencer said in a letter this week to church parishioners that the ritual did not include the use of the Book of Common Prayer, a formal liturgy or vestments.
She said Thursday that she wanted to explain the matter to parishioners before they read it in the newspaper.
"I did not intend to deceive or hurt anyone," Spencer wrote in the letter.
The Episcopal Church USA authorized same-sex blessings in principle last summer, but some conservatives have appealed to the worldwide Anglican Communion to pressure the U.S. church for a reversal.
Spencer wrote that she and Anderson realized they were falling in love a year ago. They discussed the matter with then-rector the Rev. John Johanssen, and all were confident that the relationship fell within diocesan guidelines governing relationships between clergy and parishioners, she said.
In late April, with the approval of interim rector Merri Need, Spencer and Anderson gathered in the sanctuary with family and a close friend.
No other clergy were present, Spencer wrote.
Spencer said she and her partner exchanged rings, "made promises to one another" and read a Psalm.
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