Ecumenical News International is reporting on the Danish Parliament’s change in marriage legislation such that from June 15 same-sex couples may be married in a civil ceremony or in the state church.  To that end, 8 of the 10 bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark have presented a rite for same-sex marriage to the country’s Ministry of Ecclesiastical Affairs.

The rite states that pastors who cannot theologically support same-sex marriage shall be free not to use the rite.  Denmark’s sovereign, Queen Margrethe II, is expected to approve the new rite shortly.  A rite for the blessing of civil same-sex marriages was also proposed by the bishops.

Bishop Peter Skov-Jakobsen of Copenhagen was quoted on the diocesan website as saying that “the ritual for same-sex marriages shows a church rooted in an Evangelical Lutheran tradition of interpreting the Christian Gospel in its contemporary setting.  As a church we are highly conscious of interpreting in present and not in past time.”

He also said that “the Gospel creates openness towards people and now at last also openness towards same-sex couples.  In that way our national church will now reflect the wider society, which is incredibly important.”

Since 1989, gay and lesbian couples in Denmark have been able to officially register their partnerships. Since 2005, gay and lesbian couples have been able to have their partnerships blessed in a church ceremony in 6 of the 10 dioceses of the Lutheran state church.

More at the above link.

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