| Though not Gay myself- I have a Gay son- and I'm a tireless activist on behalf of the rights of Gay & Lesbian couples to marry. I have preformed many Commitment Ceremonies- each one more beautiful then the previous. Love knows NO boundaries! |
| I have many different ceremonies to choose from- this is just an example. |
 |
| PROUD MEMBER OF |
Friends, today we are here to witness the public declaration of love between two people. You have been chosen to attend this ceremony because each of you is important to _____ and _____ in your own special way. Becoming partners represents an important new beginning. The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in their entirety; as lover, companion, and friend. It is therefore a decision which is not to be entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself. Love is one of the highest experiences that we human beings can have, and it can add depth of meaning to our lives. The sensual part of love is one of life's greatest joys, and when this is combined with real friendship, both are infinitely enhanced. The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things but in delighting to exchange experiences, is a continuous and central part of what a couple who love each other can share. A union symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, yet this sharing must not diminish but enhance the individuality of each partner. A union that lasts is one which each person is individually developing, while growing in understanding of the other. Deep knowledge of another is not something that that can be achieved in a short time and real understanding of the other's feelings can develop fully only with years of intimacy. This wonderful knowledge of another person grows out of really caring for the other so much that one wants to understand as completely as possible what the other is feeling. Thus, it is possible to share not only joys and successes, but also the burden of sorrows and failures. To be known in this way is a priceless thing, because such understanding an acceptance make it easier to live with our problems, failings, and worries. But, again, while a union is the intimate sharing of two lives, it can yet enhance the differences and individuality of each partner. We must give ourselves in love, but we must not give ourselves away. A good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overpowered or absorbed by the other. Thus, it is out of the tension between separateness and union that love, whose incredible strength is equal only to its incredible fragility, is born and reborn. _____, it has been said that two people in love truly in love are already joined together. If this is true, you have been ____’s partner beyond the barriers of time and for many eons. Your love transcends this earth. Your strength enhances your love and complements your strength. Are you ready to make the outward commitment to _____ in front of all these witnesses? I am. _____, throughout the years, many have taken this step of commitment to one another. Do you feel that you are ready to enter into this contract, equally and lovingly. Do you bring love and support to enhance this relationship? Knowing that love is boundless, are you ready to make the outward commitment to ________ in front of these witnesses? I am. Minister (to P#1): Are you prepared to enter into this partnership equally, and individually? P#1: I am. Minister (to P#2): Are you prepared to enter into this partnership equally, and individually? P#2: I am. Please join hands and look into each other’s eyes, and together, repeat after me: I promise that I will be strong for myself and for us. I promise that I will maintain my individuality and work to attain my goals. I will contribute my time, effort and will to keep this commitment to us. Love is limitless; it will rise above anything if we give it a chance. We will never grow old for as long as we love, our love will keep us young. What item of your love have you chosen to be reminders of these vows? We have rings. May I have the rings please? A circle is the symbol of the Sun, and the Earth, and the Universe. It is a symbol of holiness, and of perfection and peace. It is also the symbol of the eternality of spiritual truth, love, and life… that which has no beginning and no end. And in this moment, _________ and _________ choose for it to also be a symbol of unity, but not of possession; of joining, but not of restricting; of encirclement; but not of entrapment. For love cannot be possessed, nor can it be restricted. And the soul can never be entrapped. P#1-Place the ring on your beloved's finger and repeat after me… This is not a chain to constrict and bind; it is merely a symbol of our eternal love. P#2- Place the ring on your beloved's finger and repeat after me… This ring, with no beginning or end, symbolizes our unending love for each other. ________ and ________ since you have chosen to share your lives together in this spirit, you have married each other in your hearts, and we rejoice to recognize you from this day forth as life’s soul mates.... Equal partners. You may seal this union with a kiss! |
 |
| A Simple Commitment Ceremony |