Our Policy on Marriage Equality
Per the recommendation of the Episcopal Church’s General Convention, the Diocese of Olympia does not formally authorize any rite of blessing for same-sex unions; however, Bishop Rickel leaves it to the discretion of individual clergy as to whether they will bless same-sex unions.
When marriage equality legislation in Washington State passes and is signed into law, the Episcopal Church in Western Washington will accommodate that law within its structure, much as other Episcopal dioceses have in states where similar legislation has passed.
Bishop Rickel’s personal opinion on the matter is available at his blog, www.bishoprickel.com.
The following books on the subject are also available from our Diocesan Resource Center:
Gay Unions by Gray Temple
Reasonable and Holy by Tobias Haller.