The Episcopal Church Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (SCLM) will conduct a two-day consultation on March 18 and 19 on the 2009 General Convention Resolution C056 to collect and develop theological and liturgical resources for same-gender blessings.

Participating will be nearly 200 clergy and lay deputies from almost 100 dioceses of the Episcopal Church.

“This consultation is designed to report on work that is underway and invite responses, with an opportunity for dioceses from throughout the Church to participate,” explained the Rev. Ruth Meyers, Ph.D., SCLM Chair. “This is an important step in our process, as mandated in Resolution C056.”

The event will be held at the Atlanta Hilton Airport (Diocese of Atlanta).

Media are invited to all plenary sessions; small group or private sessions are closed to the media. There will be a media conference with phone accessibility on Saturday, March 19 from 2 pm to 2:30 pm. Expected to participate are Meyers, House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson, and Bishop of Vermont Thomas Ely, a SCLM member.

Advance media credentials are required. Media representatives wishing to report on the consultation should contact Neva Rae Fox, Episcopal Church Public Affairs Officer, at publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org.

The Episcopal Church welcomes all who worship Jesus Christ in 109 dioceses and three regional areas in 16 nations. The Episcopal Church is a member province of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Episcopal Church Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music: http://generalconvention.org/ccab/mandate/2

General Convention Resolution C056: http://gc2009.org/ViewLegislation/view_leg_detail.aspx?id=898{RDhref+}type=Final

Atlanta Hilton Airport: http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/ATLAAHH-Hilton-Atlanta-Airport-Georgia/index.do

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

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