LGBTQ+ Inclusion at Grace

At Grace, we believe all people are worthy of respect and honor. We affirm that all are created in God’s image and are capable of responding to God’s love.

However, we know that in the church and in society, LGBTQ+ people aren’t always valued and celebrated as loving and beloved members of God’s creation, exactly as they are. We confess that the church, in particular, has weaponized our scriptures and traditions to support discrimination and oppression of LGBTQ+ people. We have been too slow to seek justice, freedom, and joy for all God’s children.

Therefore, we want to say clearly: At Grace, LGBTQ+ people are welcome to participate fully in all areas of ministry and parish life. We welcome the ministry and witness of all people to serve as leaders and members of our life, worship, and governance.

At Grace, we celebrate the beautiful diversity of all people in the uniqueness of who we are. We want to embody the message, “The Episcopal Church welcomes you.”

(adapted from Oasis Missouri Ministry’s Affirmation of Welcome)

Same-Sex Marriage

Since June 2015, the Episcopal Church has authorized its clergy to perform same-sex marriages. Grace, New Lenox is committed to actively welcoming LGBTQ+ people to participate fully in all areas of ministry and community here. Marriage is no exception. We joyfully bless LGBTQ+ couples’ unions and welcome people of all cultures, languages, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

The State of Illinois requires you to obtain a valid marriage license from the county clerk’s office before the ceremony.

The Episcopal Church requires:

• That at least one person be a baptized Christian.

• Two witnesses to attest to the wedding ceremony.

• If there has been a previous marriage, proof of dissolution, divorce, annulment, or death; and proof of provision for any minor children.

• Premarital preparation by the priest.

"Where you go, I will go.” - Ruth 1:16

The Service

The worship service is offered in two formats: the first is an adaptation from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer which is gender-neutral, and more mindful of modern sensibilities (such as couples not necessarily marrying for the purposes of procreation) and progressive understandings of marriage (that it be intended for “mutual joy”).

The second rite is taken from the supplemental resource, I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing, and has alternative, gender-neutral vows and prayers. Either of these liturgies are available for you to consider for your ceremony.

The service also allows for communion (Holy Eucharist) if the couple so desires. All, including guests, are welcome to receive this sacrament at Grace New Lenox.

About the Marriage Rite

The sacrament of Holy Matrimony in the Episcopal Church is traditional in its design and appearance and in the sense that marriage is understood as a commitment between two people in a covenant relationship. But it is also progressive in its understanding that all are made in the image of God, and that God, who is beyond gender, blesses the joining together of two people regardless of gender.

The service is structured to include a gathering (procession), music, at least one reading from Scripture, a homily by the priest, prayers, a declaration of intent to marry, the consent of the people gathered, the exchange of vows and the blessing of rings. Variations on the format and the details may be discussed with the priest.

Marriage in the Church is legal and valid under Illinois and federal law. By choosing to be married at Grace, you are asking for Christ’s blessing on your union.