Association of Inclusive Christian Ministries

A Liturgy of Same Sex marriage

Apostolic Succession

Theology of Inclusion

Institute

Membership

Who We Are

Resources

Homosexuality in History

Prayer Requests

Robert's Epistle

Created Gay Podcast

Dear Friends: We have come together this day in the presence of God and this company to witness the celebration and holy union of Name and Name. They have come to affirm and deepen their love and commitment for one another, and ask God’s blessing on their life together. We call this partnership a holy union, because where there is love God is there also, for God is love.

Ever since there have been human beings on the earth, some have been called to the special purpose of sharing the deepest expressions of love with someone of the same gender. Some are prejudiced against such unions, but many Christians have grown to recognize the validity of this special kind of relationship and work and pray to end prejudice that divides God’s people. We have the honor of witnessing this commitment between Name and Name today.

How good and pleasant it is when friends live together in unity. For there God’s blessing is bestowed, even life forever more. (100:1,3)

Praise awaits you O God in Zion: to you our vows will be fulfilled. (65:1)

Blessed is the one you choose, and bring near to live in your courts! We are filled with the good things of your house, of your holy temple. (65:4)

You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas, who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. (65:5-7)

How good and pleasant it is when friends live together in unity. For there God’s blessing is bestowed, even life forever more. (100:1,3)

Name and Name, You are about to make a solemn promise.

Do you believe God has called you to live together in love?

Do you promise to be loyal to each other, never allowing any other relationship to come before the one you are now to affirm?

Will you give yourselves wholeheartedly and without reservation?

Will you, under God, recognize one another’s freedom to grow as a couple and as individuals, and allow each other time and space to do so?

Will you do all in your power to make your life together a witness to the love of God in the world?

Will you, the chosen witnesses of this celebration, do all in your power to support and strengthen Name and Name in the days ahead?

Our Prayer:

For this loving couple We pray

That they be filled with unity, creativity and love,

That they may know peace that passes all understanding,

That their hearts, minds and souls may be knit together in your love,

That all their days will know your joy, beauty and laughter,

That they may be filled with courage to stand as witnesses of love to those around them,

And that you will be a strength and shield from every danger and prejudice of humanity.

In the Name of Christ our Savior,

I Corinthians 13

Choir: Hymn Medley

Name and Name now publicly declare their love as they speak the following vow to one another.

We stand before you, O God,

To pledge love and loyalty, each to the other.

We vow to strengthen each other in all sorrow and minister to each other in all pain.

We vow to walk in empathy and compassion:

To grow together in the happy moments and also in those difficult times

When we need each other’s support.

We vow to walk hand in hand

Through all the years that you will grant us;

And to cherish and respect one another as you have taught us to do.

Gracious God, you are the very source of our life and our love. May your love be with Name and Name throughout their lives. May their love for each other enable them to serve you more fully, and to love others more deeply. Guide them to serve you all the days of their lives. Through Christ our Sovereign, Amen.

The exchanging of rings is an Ancient custom that has been handed down through the centuries. A ring is rich in symbolism. It is without beginning and without end. It is eternal. May God help you both to make your love for each other assured and eternal.

Name, what token do you now give of your love?

This ring I give to you in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.

Name, what token do you now give of your love?

This ring I give to you in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.

May the circle of these rings remind you always to keep your love centered and encircled by the love of God as well as your love for each other.

Bless, O God, these rings that he who gives it as well as he who wears it, may abide in your favor and love through Christ, Amen.

The union of two believers is a most sacred mystery, in that it represents the unity of Christ and the church. We share in Holy Communion today recognizing the presence of Christ in His Body and Blood to bless and sanctify this holy union.

On the night He was betrayed, our Sovereign Christ took bread, after giving thanks, he broke it and said "This is my body broken for you, all of you should eat it." Afterward, he took the cup and said "This is my blood poured out for you, as you drink it remember me." Let us pray.

Almighty God, we thank you for giving Jesus in our place on the cross that we may be forgiven. We also thank you for this participation in that sacrifice by faith. Bless these elements to be received in faith by those who come seeking grace, mercy and the presence of Christ in our lives. Amen

Soloist: Were You There When They Crucified My Lord

Prayer of Affirmation:

Wonderful God, May this sharing of the broken body and shed blood of our Sovereign Savior Jesus Christ strengthen, preserve and protect your people until you come again. Amen

You have spoken vows to each other in the presence of these persons and God. May you have the wisdom and strength to keep these vows. May no one seek to destroy the covenant you have affirmed today in our presence. May peace come to you and all people, Amen.

The Grace of Christ, the Liberator, the Love of God the Creator, and the sustaining fellowship of the Holy Spirit Abide with all of us, now and forever, amen.

(Choir recesses on the last stanza)

A Liturgy of Same Sex Marriage  Apostolic Succession  Theology of Inclusion Institute Membership Who We Are Resources  Robert's Epistle  Homosexuality in History Created Gay Podcast