Trinity Church Boston Commemorates First Anniversary of Legal Same-Sex Marriage

BOSTON - May 18, 2016 - PRLog -- As the first anniversary of two landmark decisions sanctioning same-sex marriage approaches, Trinity Church Boston invites the public to a special service of "Evensong in Thanksgiving for Sacred and Secular Marriage Equality." The service of prayer, music, and Scripture will take place Wed., June 1, 2016, at 7 p.m., in the historic Copley Square church at 206 Clarendon St., Boston. A reception in the church Commons area will follow.

The guest preacher for the service will be Margaret Marshall, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts and author of the 2003 decision in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health, which declared that the Massachusetts Constitution prohibits the state from denying same-sex couples access to marriage.

In a remarkable confluence of events lasts June, The U.S. Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage to be the law of the land within days of The Episcopal Church General Convention's vote to extend the rite of marriage to all people, regardless of gender. In the recent past, Trinity has celebrated weddings of same-sex couples, and many more same-sex unions have been blessed within its sanctuary.

Trinity's Evensong Service marks the beginning of Boston's Gay Pride Season, which occurs every June and includes an array of special events, readings, theatrical productions, and a celebratory parade. In light of last year's decisions legitimizing same-sex marriage, this year's celebrations promise to be particularly poignant.

"We are so pleased to be celebrating and giving thanks on the first anniversary of these decisions," said the Rev. Patrick Ward, Trinity's Associate Rector for Pastoral Ministries and Welcome. "Inclusion is at the core of our Christian faith. There is no 'in' and no 'out' when it comes to God's family. Everyone belongs. The fact that church and state arrived at the same decision with regards to same-sex marriage within days of each other speaks to a higher power working through the minds and hearts of people."

Trinity Church in the City of Boston has long been recognized as an urban crossroads for contemplation, culture, and conversation. Home to a thriving Episcopal parish, Trinity bustles with worship, music, education, and community service activities seven days a week. In partnership with others, Trinity hosts lectures, concerts, and other events. More than 100,000 people annually visit this National Historic Landmark, recognized as one of the ten most architecturally significant buildings in the U.S., to tour, pray, or come together. Learn more at http://www.trinitychurchboston.org and on Facebook.