Today we get a steady stream of enquiries for copies of marriage certificates from the past century as well as visits by people celebrating anniversaries or children or grandchildren visiting the place where parents or grandparents were married. While doing far fewer weddings here today we still welcome those who come and do all we can to make their wedding special. So the marriage connection was an obvious one to make. But the organizing committee also recognized immediately that we are in rapidly changing times. Our society is beginning to recognize same sex unions under various titles be it marriage or civil union or partnership. These moves have challenged the church in its attitude and practice. As we are well aware change in the church comes slowly. However this parish has never been frightened of change. If this parish is associated with marriage it is also associated with inclusion. The first Rector, George Hendric Houghton, was remarkable in his day in reaching out to the poor, people of color, the marginalized and the socially suspect of his day. Reading the history of the early years of this parish Houghton was a quiet radical in his ministry. His ministry to the acting profession is much celebrated but his ministry to the African American population in this neighborhood especially during the fraught years of the Civil War deserves better recognition. It is in that tradition that it was felt important to include those in long term same sex relationships as well as the married in today's service not least because there are a number of parishioners in such relationships.

But in so doing we are not being trendy or sensationalist. As we know in this State and in this church there is no formal recognition of same sex relationships at this time. However I believe it is important to recognize that all committed relationships have the potential of sacramentality. What I wish to say loud and clear that what we are on about in celebrating marriages and other committed relationships is God and nothing less. The very reason the church has taken marriage seriously over the centuries is that it believes that each marriage has a sacramental quality to it. That is that it has the potential of reflecting the divine-human relationship. And I firmly believe both theologically and from experience that long term same sex commitments be they formalized or not have that same potential.

For at the heart of our faith is God's creation of the world and of humankind and his desire that humankind live in relationship and in community. And in saying that no one is left out. God's plan is for all people. All are made in the image and likeness of God. Even though our true patina is often obscured by layers of grime the potential to shine is still there in every one of us. It was that belief and understanding that inspired George Houghton in his ministry here: it is the model we see in Jesus himself breaking down the barriers which separate. Paul puts in so succinctly in Colossians “through him (Jesus) God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” It is to that reconciling , inclusive love of Christ that our human committed relationships can bear witness. Each marriage, each long term committed relationship can point us to that reconciling, inclusive love of God . “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” Our love for each other is derived from and reflective of the divine love at the heart of the Trinity.