EDSD’s Journey to LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

“We are holding fast to our promise to uphold the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons as children of God. We’re proclaiming and investing in our longing to become a Beloved Community. We’re committed to caring for God’s creation and respecting the dignity of every human being.”

With this statement following his election as the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Sean Rowe proclaimed TEC’s ongoing and unwavering commitment to not only full inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons but also how they are integral to God’s Beloved Community. 

It is a commitment our own Bishop Susan has steadfastly adhered to since she became Bishop in 2019. In both word and deed, including participation in events such as the annual Light Up the Church service at St. Paul’s Cathedral and the yearly San Diego Pride Parade held every July, Bishop Susan has been an ally and advocate.

In 2024, Bishop Susan called for the formation of a Diocesan LGBTQIA+ Task Force. Chaired by Ms. Susan Jester and the Rev. Brenda Sol, the Task Force was charged with, in Bishop Susan’s words to “work toward an Episcopal Diocese of San Diego where all God’s people, in the fullness of their gender identity, expression, and sexuality are celebrated for who God created them to be.” Its goals are to advocate for the full inclusion, affirmation, and support of LGBTQIA persons and communities within the church by fostering a welcoming and affirming environment for all.

The creation of this Task Force is an important step for the Diocese of San Diego, and speaks to the perseverance and dedication of many people who, over the years, have prayed and worked hard to make full inclusion for LGBTQIA+ persons not just an aspiration but eventually a reality. While still not a full reality, this clearly marks full inclusion as a commitment of the Diocese in the ongoing creation of the Beloved Community.

For those not familiar with some of the history of this work, two important milestones should be noted. Bishop James Mathes was elected bishop of our Diocese in 2005. He came in during a particularly difficult and tumultuous time as far as LGBTQIA+ issues were concerned. While very mindful of his role of being bishop of all persons in the diocese, he did indicate that being part of the LGBTQIA+ community would no longer be a bar to being considered for ordination. This allowed persons from that community to go through the Diocesan ordination process, and assuming they successfully met the requirements and received the necessary approvals from the Commission on Ministry and Standing Committee, to be ordained. This allowed for the ordination of many gifted clergy who continue to serve to this day.

The second important milestone was the creation of the Holiness in Relationships Task Force, called for by a Diocesan Convention Resolution and convened by Bishop Mathes in 2008. The Task Force was made up of people in favor of blessing same-sex relationships (marriage at that point was not legal), and those opposed. Its make-up included clergy, lay persons, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. After working together for more than a year, the Task Force produced a study guide that could be used by parishes wishing to perform same-sex blessings and those wanting to pray and study the issue more closely.

In 2010, Bishop Mathes commended the study guide to be used by parishes prior to his giving permission for them to do blessings. That continued to be the practice here until 2013, when same-sex marriage became legal. Additional steps were initially required for permission to marry, but those requirements were short-lived. Clergy can now officiate at same-sex marriage if they choose.

It is from steps such as these that the current LGBTQIA+ Task Force continues to build upon. Last October, the Task Force held a summit at St. Thomas of Canterbury in Temecula in which those in attendance were encouraged to tell their stories of acceptance, exclusion, hope, and fears in being part of a church or religious community. Those present said it was tremendously healing and spoke to their desire to grow not only their relationship with God but also to do so in the context of community.

And as indicated above, full inclusion is not a reality. In a time when many people in the LGBTQIA+ community are feeling increasingly marginalized and targeted, the work of the Task Force continues to be vitally important. Now chaired by Ms. Susan Jester and the Rev. Canon Allisyn Thomas, Task Force members not only see the need to provide forums where people can come together but also work with church communities to be welcoming and affirming. It is work we can only do together, and it is a blessing and a challenge to be able to do so. We welcome your prayers and suggestions.

We are incredibly grateful to all those who have gone before us in doing this work and those who will continue it. Jesus’ words from Matthew’s Gospel ring as true as ever:

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it under a bushel basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

If you would like to kick off Pride week in celebration, consider attending Light Up the Cathedral at St. Paul’s, July 16 at 7 pm. And don’t miss marching in the Pride Parade with St. Paul’s Cathedral and people from around the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego on July 19–gather at the Cathedral at 8 am to walk to the starting area as a group. There is limited space on the Cathedral’s trolley car for those with mobility issues. Please email Susan Jester, co-chair of the task force, at jesters@stpaulcathedral.org to reserve your spot on the trolley.