PA BISHOP BENNISON APPROVES SERVICE OF BLESSING FOR GAY PRIEST

[David Virtue]

PA BISHOP BENNISON APPROVES SERVICE OF BLESSING FOR GAY PRIEST
Bishop outlines process in defiance of Lambeth and GC2000 sexuality
resolutions

Special Report

By David W. Virtue

PHILADELPHIA, Pa--The Bishop of Pennsylvania, Charles E. Bennison has
initiated a four-step process for persons of the same-sex seeking the
blessing of the Church for their relationship. One of his priests, the
Rev. James M. Taylor recently availed himself of the opportunity and
got "married" with the bishop's approval.

In documents obtained by VIRTUOSITY the four-step process includes the
following: Firstly, seeking the bishop's counsel. Secondly, the couple
must undergo a series of pre-commitment meetings with the priest who
will preside at the service. Thirdly, the congregation must be informed
of the plans and fourthly, the Bishop must be informed once the service
has occurred.

The bishop's office would not answer questions as to whether this
exceeded the boundaries of resolution D039 passed at General Convention
2000 which "recognized" that there were both married couples and
couples living "in other life-long committed relationships"
characterized by fidelity and monogamy. Resolution D039, did not
endorse "gay marriages," propose rites or a four-step "marriage"
process for sodomites and lesbians.

One couple stepped up to the plate to take advantage of the bishop's
four-step process was the Rev. James M. Taylor, rector of Grace
Epiphany Church in Philadelphia with his partner Mr. Douglas Alderfer
who works with Jewish Family and Children's Service and is involved in
Jewish gay and lesbian issues.

Repeated calls to the Rev. Taylor at his church, Grace Epiphany, were
not returned.

Mr. Alderfer also refused to talk to VIRTUOSITY about the ceremony that
took place in a private home, but in a letter signed by Karen Flynn,
the rector's warden she writes, "I know that you will join me in
congratulating Jim and Doug on this important step in their life
together. I also know that you will respect their wishes to keep this a
private affair and join them in prayer on August 31st."

Ms. Flynn could not be reached, despite numerous efforts to seek her
explanation as to why the ceremony, supported by the bishop, was a
"private affair," nor could it be obtained how she learned about
Bennison's "four step program."

The name of the priest who performed the ceremony was also not
disclosed. There was a reception for the "newlyweds" at the church  in
September.

No mention of the bishop's four-step process has ever been published in
The Pennsylvania Episcopalian, nor has it been submitted to Diocesan or
General Convention.

END

FULL TEXT OF LETTER

The Rev. James M. Taylor,
Rector Grace Epiphany Church
224 East Gowen Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19119

Dear Friends,

I write to share with you some happy news that our Rector, Father Jim,
shared with the Vestry at our July meeting. In late summer, he and his
partner, Doug Alderfer, will celebrate their relationship in a service
of blessing in a private home. The Vestry heartily extended our
congratulations and best wishes to Jim and Doug.

This letter is part of an ongoing process that Jim and Doug have been
engaged in for several months. The Diocese of Pennsylvania has a four-step
process for persons of the same gender who seek the blessing of
the Church on their relationship. The first step is that Jim and Doug
have met with Bishop Bennison and sought his counsel. The Bishop was
very supportive of their relationship. Secondly, the couple are to be
in a series of pre-commitment meetings with the priest who will preside
at the service. This is no different form heterosexual couples who seek
marriage in the church. Jim and Doug have net for the past several
months with the priest who will preside at their services. The third
step is to inform the congregation of the plans and the fourth step is
to inform the Bishop that the service occurred.

As a parish that celebrates and honors diversity and the richness of
our baptismal covenant to respect the dignity of every human being, I
know that you will join me in congratulating Jim and Doug on this
important step in their life together. I also know that you will
respect their wishes to keep this a private affair and join with them
in prayer on August 31st. If you have any questions, feel free to
contact me.

Faithfully yours,

Karen P. Flynn
Rectors Warden