Ministry and Liturgy for Same-Gender-Loving Couples

Thursday, June 20, 2013

8:30 AM

Date: June 20
Registration Fee: $75

While debate continues in some faith communities as to the appropriateness or permissibility of religious blessing of same-sex couples' unions, many faith communities have for years embraced the love of all couples who understand themselves to be called to a spiritual union. Few ministers, however, have had the opportunity to learn about providing pastoral support and inspirational liturgy for same-sex couples. Without such training, they borrow from methods they learned for opposite-sex couples, sometimes in ways that are effective, and sometimes in ways that undercut the significant obstacles same-sex couples continue to face. In this day-long workshop participants will be introduced to methods and resources that will enable them to minster effectively and faithfully with same-sex couples as they consider and prepare for marriage or the blessing of their union.

Online registration coming soon. Download Registration From

Snacks and lunch included.

Workshop Leaders:

The Rev. Dr. Leanne McCall Tigert is a Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist in Concord, New Hampshire, a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, adjunct faculty in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Andover Newton Theological School, and a minister in the United Church of Christ. She has authored and co-authored several books and articles addressing concerns of sexuality and religion, most recently, All Those Whom God Has Joined: Resources for Clergy and Same-Gender Loving Couples. The focus of the morning session, which she will lead is to gain clear insight into the pastoral needs of same-gender loving couples as they enter into covenanted couple relationships. Beginning with an understanding of the changing institution of marriage, we will develop awareness and skills to address the present day needs and realities of LGBTQ identified persons and couples with whom we minister.

The Rev. Dr. Wendel "Tad" Meyer is an Episcopal priest who has taught in several seminary settings, published various articles and reviews and served in parish and university ministries for over thirty years. He has served several churches and most recently completed a two-year tenure leading the Memorial Church at Harvard through a period of transition. For the past twelve years, he has spent time studying the historical evolution of Christian marriage. He has been involved in discussing and creating policies for the adoption of same-sex liturgies in the Episcopal Church. The afternoon session, which he will lead, will consider some of the historical roots of Christian marriage, demonstrating the way in which that historical analysis can and should impact our current understanding of both the theology of marriage and any liturgical practices that are created to extend that theology to same-sex marriage. What has been a contentious and divisive discussion within churches now has enormous creative potential to reconsider and recast our understanding of the theology of marriage and how it is expressed liturgically.

This workshop is one of a series of practical ministry workshops offered by Andover Newton throughout the year. Workshop participants will receive 6 Sabbath Hours in recognition of their continuing learning. To apply for Sabbath Hour complete the Reflection Form that will be provided at the workshop.