We are delighted!
We are delighted that you are interested in being married! An exciting part of the Church’s ministry is to prepare couples for this occasion and to celebrate and bless their marriage. The Book of Common Prayer states, “Christian Marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church” (BCP, p. 422).
The Celebration and Blessing of your marriage is a Sacramental Rite in the life of the Church, in which two people “enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows” (BCP, p. 861). No doubt you are carefully considering entering into this holy union and Fr. Jamie looks forward to the possibility of sharing in the joy of such an occasion with you!
LGBTQ+ Marriage at St. Stephen’s
St. Stephen’s is, at this time, the only congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota which is allowed to provide and perform all the rites of the Church equally to all people, including same-sex marriage rites. We have been so committed to this cause that we, as a congregation, unanimously voted in December 2015 to seek Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (or DEPO) so that we could be allowed to provide and perform all the rites of the Church equally to all people, including same-sex marriage rites.
Contact Fr. Jamie
Please feel free to contact Fr. Jamie if you are interested in getting married or if you have any other questions.
