Explanation

The compromise of General Convention Resolution 2018-B012 has simultaneously ensured that same-sex couples have access to trial-use marriage liturgies in every diocese where same-sex marriage is permitted under civil law and authorized bishops to delegate their pastoral oversight in such cases when their theological convictions require it. Because those provisions are tied to the authorization of specific liturgies for trial use, they would not automatically apply if a marriage rite suitable for use by same-sex couples were to be added to the Book of Common Prayer.

Because Article X of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church provides that the Book of Common Prayer “shall be in use in all the Dioceses of this Church,” no specific canonical changes are necessary to ensure continued access to authorized marriage rites once they are incorporated into the Book of Common Prayer. This resolution formalizes those provisions of B012 concerning the responsibilities of bishops whose theology does not embrace same-sex marriage when a congregation within their diocese intends to perform same-sex marriages. As is already the case under B012, each bishop will discern the extent to which pastoral support from another bishop is necessary to ensure both the protection of their own conscience and full access for same-sex couples to authorized marriage rites.