With financial help from the Arcus Foundation, a group of Episcopal theologians and priests are converging on a Berkley, California seminary to develop a marriage ceremony for same-gender couples. Proponents of the effort hail it as a step forward, saying it will mark “a fuller participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the church.”

The work is expected to take years to complete, as representatives from the working group seek input from dioceses around the country.