The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee says same-sex couples within its churches are free to get married elsewhere, but not by priests here. Bishop John Bauerschmidt has handed down the policy after making what he calls a difficult decision.
This summer, the national denomination decided to change its stance on same-sex marriage and allow clergy to perform them. But it also allows individual bishops to disagree.
Bauerschmidt, whose diocese oversees 45 churches in Middle Tennessee, is one of them, and he says he’s in the minority nationwide. To make the decision, he says, he consulted scripture and listened to a wide range of opinions from local clergy.
“We have disagreement in the church always,” he says. “Sometimes we’re more aware of painful disagreements in our life together, but what’s important for us is to remain together in spite of our differences.”
But Rev. Becca Stevens, the chaplain at St. Augustine’s on Vanderbilt’s campus, says she’s worried the decision will make some members feel alienated and ignored. Many congregations have same-sex couples who want to get married, she says.
“You know, I wanted the decision to be different, and I’m just really trying to figure out, what are the next steps, and what does it mean, and how are we going to move forward together?”
Still, she says she appreciates that the conversation is happening, noting that there were similar discussions in past generations over whether women could become ordained ministers.
Bauerschmidt says he knows his decision could lead to painful conversations with members. In a letter he sent to clergy, he mentions that the Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky is willing to help same-sex couples get married there.
Letter Sent To Middle Tennessee Clergy
The diocese sent the following to church leaders in the area:
“The liturgies for marriage and the blessing of a civil marriage available for use in the Diocese of Tennessee are those in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. These liturgies must be used unaltered and in accordance with the rubrical directions.
“Use of the Trial Liturgies for Marriage (authorized by the 2015 General Convention Resolution A054), in whole or in part, is not permitted in the Diocese of Tennessee. The Trial Liturgies may not be used on the property of any parish, mission, chapel, or mission station of the diocese.
“Clergy canonically resident in the diocese are not permitted to officiate at marriages using these liturgies, including adaptations for the blessing of a civil marriage.
“Clergy serving under license in the diocese may not officiate at marriages in the diocese using these liturgies, including adaptations for the blessing of a civil marriage.
“In accordance with Resolution A054, clergy of the diocese are directed to respond pastorally to those who desire to have access to these Trial Liturgies for their marriages, and to assist them in securing this access. The Bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky has indicated that clergy of that diocese are prepared to assist couples who desire access to these liturgies.”
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