You are here
Sewanee grants request for same-sex blessing in All Saints' Chapel
By John McCardell
June 7, 2014
Dear Members of the Faculty and Staff,
Last week I wrote to you about a matter concerning the University policy on the blessing of same-sex relationships.
Over the past week, the Chaplain and I, along with the Chancellor and Regent Bishops, have been in lengthy discussions about how to accommodate the request to allow the blessing of a same-sex relationship after the couple making the request has already had a civil marriage.
This particular scenario, highly improbable in December 2012, when only six states (four in New England) plus the District of Columbia permitted same-sex marriage, will become increasingly likely, now that nineteen states permit same-sex marriage and in seven additional states the matter is currently in the courts.
We have been assisted by Professor Jim Turrell, whose expertise in the field of liturgics has led to the crafting of a liturgy to be used specifically in those cases where a same-sex couple has already had a civil marriage. As a result, the request to confer a blessing in All Saints’ Chapel has been granted.
I extend my deepest appreciation to all of those involved in the resolution of this issue, which has been handled in the best tradition of our University, with civility, reason, and, above all, an open mind.
John McCardell is Vice Chancellor of The University of the South
FOOTNOTE: Please note that VOL was vilified for saying that this and previous actions by Mr. McCardell were not those of a man who proclaims himself orthodox in faith and morals.
*****
Gay triumph march at Sewanee
“Behold How Good” Celebration
http://www.themountainnow.com/
June 8, 2014
Community members and Sewanee alumni, faculty and friends will gather at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 8, for the “Behold How Good” celebration and fund-raiser.
The event is in response to a recent decision by the University chancellor, vice-chancellor, Episcopal bishops on the board of regents and the University chaplain to allow a same-sex couple to receive a blessing in All Saints’ Chapel.
At 1:30 p.m., the group will gather in front of duPont Library and walk to All Saints’ Chapel for silent reflection and a short prayer in the chapel. After that, the group will walk to the Angel Park. Participants will be encouraged to make donations to the Sewanee Annual Fund and to the Rainbow Fund, an endowment fund at the University that will provide financial aid for a student who supports equality for all, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons.
END
