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New York Post coverage of the Church of the Beloved Disciple's Holy Union ceremonies
Dublin Core
Title
New York Post coverage of the Church of the Beloved Disciple's Holy Union ceremonies
Description
As public attention to the Church of the Beloved Disciple's pioneering Holy Union ceremonies grew following the first public ceremony in July 1970, the New York Post reported that Fr. Robert M. Clement intentionally described the rites as Holy Unions rather than marriages, acknowledging that New York law did not recognize same-sex marriage. The article explained that the ceremonies closely followed the structure of a traditional Christian wedding while distinguishing them from civil marriage. It also documented the legal controversy surrounding the services, including threats of prosecution by New York City officials, highlighting the growing tension between religious innovation, LGBTQ rights, and the law.
Source
Church of the Beloved Disciple Archive, https://beloved-disciple.com
Identifier
CBD_002
Citation
“New York Post coverage of the Church of the Beloved Disciple's Holy Union ceremonies”, Queer Sacramentality: The Church of the Beloved Disciple, LGBTQ Religious Archives Network, accessed September 13, 2026, https://exhibits.lgbtran.org/exhibits/show/cbd/item/2654.
