Saints and Sinners

Devout Catholics Edward DeBonis and Vincent Maniscalco, a gay couple, are determined to be wed in a church and receive the Holy Sacrament of Marriage. After a long process coming to grips with their sexuality and their families, DeBonis and Maniscalco meet in New York City. Quickly falling in love, they move in together, and DeBonis comes out to his family for the first time.

As they fall further in love, they re-find their faith as well in the Catholic Church, trying to integrate their faith and their sexuality. But in 1986, their faith group, Dignity, was thrown out of the Catholic Church for violating Catholic precepts. The Vatican has stated that it believes that homosexuality is fundamentally disordered because it does not involve procreation, despite documents from the early Church blessing same-sex friendships. What's at stake is not only their relationship, but their civil rights. In 2004, gay partnerships had few of the rights that straight partnerships have, and the Church's influence prevented then-and still prevents-many local and state governments from granting gay couples equal rights under the law.

After having cancer, Edward DeBonis agrees to marry his long-term partner, Vincent. As religious Catholic men, the Holy Sacrament of Marriage brings them together in the eyes of God. It is deeply important to them both to stand up in front of God and their friends and families, agreeing to love and honor each other for the rest of their lives. They prepare for their wedding while holding onto their faith as Catholics-complete with bachelor party, questions about the number of invitations to the reception, and an announcement in the New York Times Style Section.