Episcopal PRIDE
The Episcopal Church welcomes queer people! Over 80 Episcopalians in the Diocese of San Diego marched in the Pride Parade on Saturday, July 13.
In 1976, the General Convention of The Episcopal Church declared that “homosexual persons are children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance, and pastoral concern and care of the Church” (1976-A069). Since then, faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God’s children.
Along the way, The Episcopal Church has continued its work toward full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Episcopalians.
- In 2003, the first openly gay bishop was consecrated
- In 2009, General Convention resolved that God’s call to ordained ministry is open to all
- In 2012, a provisional rite of blessing for same-gender relationships was authorized, and discrimination against transgender persons in the ordination process was officially prohibited
- In 2015, the canons of the church were changed to make the rite of marriage available to all people, regardless of gender
To our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender brothers, sisters and siblings: “The Episcopal Church welcomes you!”
The Rev. Susan Russell, Episcopal priest and queer activist, marched in the parade and gave the sermon at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Sunday, July 14. Her prophetic voice brings comfort and healing to many who have been abused by the Church.
10:30 a.m. Sunday Sermon, July 14, 2019, Preacher: The Rev. Canon Susan Russell. from St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral on Vimeo.
The following video is from 2016 but it gives a good sense of what marching in the Pride parade is like in the Diocese of San Diego:
The Cathedral celebrates Pride 2016! from St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral on Vimeo.