2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church further thoughts

"recognize that the baptized membership of The Episcopal Church includes same-sex couples living in lifelong committed relationships 'characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God'";

The above is taken from the pastoral letter from the Presiding Bishop to the Episcopal Church following this past General Convention and is a quote from the GC documents/resolutions. It addresses my continuing concern over what do we have as a guide to same sex morality that would make it sanctifying.
It would seem from my previous discussions with folks who are same gender oriented I could not find a working model as to what is a holy relationship. I got the distinct sense that the less guidelines the better and that is what was desired.
With this guideline now we are in a much better place theologically than we have ever been. I have not been opposed to same-sex relationships nor marriage not even opposed to sacramental marriage. But I did not know what was the guidelines which made this distinctly different from opposite sex relationships or the same, at least from a pastoral perspective.
Having said that these are pretty lofty guidelines. If this is what is expected in a opposite sex relationship not sure how many opposite sex marriages would qualify or come close.
Just maybe these may be over stated but from a pastoral perspective; however, I would love to have those as the guidelines of all marriages regardless of who.
I will be interested to know that if in the ordination discernment process this will be the guideline that is used. And if these will be the guidelines that a pastor will use to determine if a marriage can take place.
I do not like the idea of a same-sex blessing; either marriage or nothing unless we are willing to opt for opposite sex blessings in place of marriage. If we are going to continue down this path we must act in equality and get rid of this idea of a blessing instead of marriage.
Yes! I know that a same sex-marriage is illegal in many places but as an ordained person I do not receive a salary from the State. If we really believe that same-sex marriage is of equal validity as opposite-sex marriage then religious-civil-disobedience is required of us if we are to be faithful to God.
Peace