Two rectors to continue blessing unions

The rectors of Episcopal parishes in Milton and Arlington, barred by the Episcopal Church from solemnizing same-sex marriages, say they have stopped signing all marriage licenses, but will continue blessing homosexual and heterosexual couples in religious wedding ceremonies.

The rectors, the Rev. Linda Fisher-Privitera of the Church of Our Saviour in Arlington and the Rev. George Welles of the Church of Our Saviour in Milton, say they have designed their new approaches in an effort to treat all couples equally while still honoring Bishop M. Thomas Shaw's request that priests not solemnize gay marriages.

At each church, the rectors will designate a layperson who receives authorization to solemnize marriages from the state, a justice of the peace, or a minister from a faith that allows gay marriages, to sign the wedding licenses for all couples.

The signing ceremonies can take place in the church's sanctuaries. Then the rectors will bless the marriages.

MICHAEL PAULSON