Sex in DioCNY: Go ahead kids, take a test drive…

from Stand Firm by Matt Kennedy

The Dean of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Central New York writing in the Syracuse Post Standard

Marriage is a sacrament in which two people enter into a union with the intention that it be life-long, making their vows before God and the church, and receiving the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. The union of two people in heart, body and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the raising of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of God. In marriage it is the two people making their promises and vows to each other who are performing the sacrament, brought together by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Sex is good, and in marriage it is great. I wish to call all people to use their God-given gift of sexuality for relationships that are mutually fulfilling, joyful, committed for life, faithful and sanctifying, recognizing that there are stages on the way to discerning marriage, and accept that for most people sex is part of that discerning. Yet, I urge all people, as much as possible, to save sexual relations for the person they will love most in life. And if you wish to get married, we would be happy to talk with you!

Rev. G. Thomas Luck is dean and rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Syracuse and canon theologian of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York...more