LIBERAL JUDAISM IS FIRST RELIGIOUS ORGANISATION IN THE UK
TO PRODUCE A LITURGY FOR SAME –SEX COMMITMENT CEREMONIES
Liberal Judaism is the first religious organisation in the
UK to produce a liturgy for Same-Sex Commitment Ceremonies,
which will be published to tie in with the Civil Partnership
Law coming into force on December 5th. The liturgy, called Covenant
of Love, a Service of Commitment for Same-Sex Couples, is a
compendium of texts from which rabbis, and lesbian and gay couples,
can choose material to construct a Commitment Ceremony.
Liberal Judaism’s Chief Executive Rabbi Danny Rich said: ‘When
the Civil Partnership Law comes into force, Liberal Judaism
will be in a unique position to meet the needs of lesbian and
gay people.’ Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue’s Rabbi
Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah, who was part of the Rabbinic Working
Party that devised the liturgy, said: ‘The Civil Partnership
Law is a historic milestone, granting legal status and recognition
to lesbian and gay partnerships. Liberal Judaism champions justice,
equality, compassion and inclusion; the new liturgy ensures
that these values are put into practice as far as lesbian and
gay Jews are concerned, by enabling lesbian and couples to celebrate
their partnerships in a Jewish framework.’
Covenant of Love, a Service of Commitment for Same-Sex Couples,
is a resource for couples and rabbis planning a ceremony, which
would take place in a synagogue or a private venue, following
the civil registration at a registry office required by the
Civil Partnership Law. The process of creating the liturgy began
three years ago, following the adoption of a policy on Same-Sex
Commitment Ceremonies by Liberal Judaism. Although some of the
materials are devised from the Jewish marriage service, the
aim is not simply to imitate a wedding but to create a ceremony
at once similar and different, celebrating love within a committed
and faithful partnership of two Jews.
Alongside the new booklet, Liberal Judaism is producing a leaflet
entitled Lesbian and Gay Jews and Same-Sex Relationships, explaining
the movement’s approach to lesbian and gay individuals and couples.
While individual rabbis have officiated at private ceremonies
for lesbian and gay couples for some years, the policy and the
published materials express Liberal Judaism’s official public
endorsement and support for the first time.
Of the thirty-one rabbis who are currently full members of
Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference, (including thirteen women),
there are at present four lesbian and two gay rabbis within
the movement. The Rabbinic Conference is an autonomous part
of the movement to which all Liberal Rabbis belong.
For further information contact Cara Wides at Liberal Judaism
on 0207 631 9831, or on her mobile 07886 295 012. Email c.wides@liberaljudaism.org.
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