Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

May 2023

LGBTQ+ Pride

A God Who Loves Us Just As We Are
By Kim Jackson
The Rev. Senator Kim Jackson self-identifies as ‘Afrolachian,’ born and raised a Black woman in rural Appalachia. Kim currently serves in the Georgia State Senate while simultaneously serving a congregation for people who live on the streets of Atlanta. In A God Who Loves Us Just As We Are, a video conversation with my colleague Dr. Sandra Montes, Kim shares her journey from a small town, to becoming the first ‘out’ lesbian in her diocese to be ordained, to living out her ongoing commitment for racial and social justice.
Becoming the Person God Created Me to Be
By Freya Gilbert
In Becoming The Person God Created Me to Be, Freya Gilbert writes powerfully and with grace of her journey of becoming her true self: a transgender woman. Her ministry of lay preaching gives scriptural context to the importance of sanctuary for her within her diocese, while raising important issues of acceptance and support for the wider Episcopal Church.
Begin with Love
By Bishop Deon Johnson
In the video presentation, Begin with Love, Bishop Deon Johnson calls us as followers of Christ to be visible, intentional and unequivocal in our support and love of all beloved children of God, and always to widen the circle of who is invited and included. This video is available with Spanish subtitles.
Differentiating Between the What and the How
By Alan Yarborough
In Differentiating Between the What and the How, Alan Yarborough of the Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations challenges us to move beyond the complacency of proclaiming, “Of course, we support LGBTQ+ people!”. Alan issues a clarion call to action and advocacy, acknowledging that the work to be done is complex and multi-pronged, but positing that this church is well suited to implement strategies that are contextual, built on mutual learning, and forged by humility.
Do We Actually Want to Be Inclusive?
By Keith Voets
In Do We Actually Want to Be Inclusive? Keith Voets leans on personal experience to describe why it is easier to place marginalized groups into neat boxes for the sake of comfort, rather than celebrating and inviting unique differences in individuals, all of whom are created in God’s image.
Do You Really Belong Here?
By Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg
The Rev. Shaneequa Brokenleg, in Do You Really Belong Here?, a video conversation with Dr. Sandra Montes, speaks of Episcopal ministry as informed by her Lakota tribe culture and her status as a winkté – a two-spirit healer and facilitator in the spirit’s many transitions. Shaneequa’s message of ‘difference as sacred’ grounds this expansive (and fabulous!) discussion.
Editor's Letter June 2023
By Charis Bhagianathan
June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month. In this, our second Pride issue honoring the LGBTQ+ community (find the previous issue here), we embark on a journey of understanding, inclusion and acceptance through Christ’s eyes, honoring the sacred worth of every individual.
Editor's Letter May 2023
By Craig Bossi
These four offerings – two videos and two articles – are a reminder of the work to be done. We hope they speak of courage and belief for a world made more beautiful by these LGBTQ+ Christians and their commitment to a Church where all God’s children are loved and valued.
Gifts of Queerness
By Hannah Wilder
As humans and Christians, our vocal and emphatic support of queer people can not only have a positive impact on their lives but can also actually help them survive. In Gifts of Queerness, Hannah Wilder shares wisdom on queer theology, sexuality, and intentionally creating spaces for individuals to be accepted and celebrated as God’s children.
Silent No More
By Craig Bossi and Matt Foreman
In recent years, we have seen an unprecedented rise in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, rhetoric and initiatives. In Silent No More, Craig Bossi and Matt Foreman raise questions that encourage us to reflect on how we as Christians and human beings will respond, not performatively but through positive action to support our LGBTQ+ siblings in their struggle for equity and respect.