LGBTQ+ in the Church

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For decades, LGBTQ+ Episcopalians and allies have worked to make The Episcopal Church a place of belonging and inclusion. We have prayed, studied, and discerned, and in doing so, we have seen the evidence of God’s blessing in the lives and love of our LGBTQ+ siblings in Christ

In 2026, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our church affirming that LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the church. The journey to make that promise a reality continues today, as we remember the struggles, celebrate the joy, and give thanks for love and for lives that refuse to be erased.

Today in The Episcopal Church, discernment for the ministries of bishop, priest, deacon, and lay leadership is open to all without discrimination. We celebrate and give thanks for the beauty, strength, and sacred worth of LGBTQ+ leaders across all contexts and callings.

We invite you to join us on the journey. You belong. No exceptions.

“Coming in that first night and having someone say out loud, ‘Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome at this table’ — that was overwhelmingly exactly what I needed to hear.”
Hear testimony from Leigh Foster, an attendee at The Crossing, a Boston church whose primary ministry is providing a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ folks.

HISTORY

Faithful Episcopalians have been working toward a greater understanding and radical inclusion of all of God’s children for nearly a half-century. In 1974, Louie Crew founded IntegrityUSA, a nonprofit organization with the goal of full-inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in The Episcopal Church. The next General Convention, in 1976, adopted resolutions stating 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), and that they “are entitled to equal protection of the laws with all other citizens” (1976-A071). Read more here.

History

ORGANIZATIONS

A number of organizations, religious and secular, exist to advocate with the LGBTQ+ community, You can find a listing of those organizations here.


In affirmation and celebration of The Episcopal Church’s LGBTQ+ members, the Office of Communication offers a Pride shield available online for churchwide use.

Offered in late 2024, this 12-week formation series was designed to inform and equip advocates for gender justice.

Visit this page to find liturgies, sermons, and other resources.

General Convention and Executive Council actions related to sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

Customizable 30-second and 60-second videos to share your congregation’s support of Pride. Available in English, Spanish, and French.

Customizable social media posts and printable cards. Add your congregation’s information and share on your favorite platform.


POSTS

Gender Justice Election Issues

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Colonialism and Gender Injustice

Gender Justice JAM, Week 4 The Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg, racial justice staff officer from The Episcopal Church, and Chris Chavers, of…

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Contact:
Aaron Scott

Staff Office for Gender Justice

reconciliation@episcopalchurch.org