Inclusion

The Episcopal Church and LGBTQ+ Equality

In 1976, the General Convention of the Episcopal Church took a historic step toward LGBTQ+ inclusion by passing Resolution A069. This resolution 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.”

At a time when few religious institutions were offering any kind of affirmation, this marked a major turning point. The Episcopal Church became one of the first major Christian denominations in the United States to formally recognize the dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ individuals. This act laid the groundwork for the Church’s ongoing journey toward full inclusion.

Nearly four decades later, at the 78th General Convention in 2015, the Church made another profound move by authorizing two new marriage rites for same-gender couples (Resolutions A036 and A054). These rites were made available for use across all dioceses, and canonical language was updated to reflect a gender-neutral definition of marriage. This action made it clear that the Episcopal Church fully recognized and supported same-gender marriage as a sacred and equal covenant.

The following year, in 2016, the wider Anglican Communion imposed sanctions on the Episcopal Church for its decision to bless same-sex unions. In response, Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry offered a powerful message of love and conviction:

“Our commitment to be an inclusive church is not based on a social theory or capitulation to the ways of the culture, but on our belief that the outstretched arms of Jesus on the cross are a sign of the very love of God reaching out to us all.”

With these words, Bishop Curry made it clear that the Church’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ people is not a trend or concession—it’s an expression of the Gospel itself.

At St. Andrew’s Church, we proudly share and live out this vision of radical belonging. As part of the wider Episcopal Church, we affirm that all are truly welcome here — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background. We strive to be an inclusive, affirming, and safe community grounded deeply in God’s love for everyone, especially the LGBTQ+ community. Our doors, hearts, and prayers are open to all who seek to experience faith, belonging, and the freedom to be their authentic selves.