Queer Queries: Everything
you ever wanted to know...

The Episcopal Church is a Christian church. It is one of the ways that God has chosen to make God's self known in the world. While it is a national church (and part of the world-wide Anglican communion), all if its organizational units are designed to give equal voice to the clergy and the laity in matters of policy. The Church encompasses a very broad spectrum of religious thought and practice. While it is not always of one mind on many issues it faces, one value that unites all Episcopalians is tolerance of diversity. Accordingly, there are wide variations in scriptural interpretation, liturgical practices, ethnic background, viewpoints on gender issues, etc. The Church expects change to come from the grass roots; its organizational framework encourages and promotes this.

What does the Episcopal Church think about gay and lesbian persons?

We believe God loves us just the way we are. We know God doesn't make junk. We are baptized; we are Christians. We do not apologize for who we are. To help identify those parishes within the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles who "welcome" lesbians and gay men, please see the Welcoming Parishes List, which covers the Los Angeles Diocese and other locations throughout the nation.

How can you be part of an organization that has persecuted Gays and Lesbians for 2000 years?

Every American is part of an institution which persecutes or has persecuted gays and lesbians. We owe it to ourselves and our communities to change this fact. Since much of the political oppression of gays and lesbians is done under the cover of alleged Christian doctrine, a powerful means to effect change at the political level is to explode the myth that the Bible condemns homosexuality. Since irrational prejudices cannot be changed with rational argument, the most effective means we have found for changing people's minds is to become open, loving and exemplary members of diverse, worshiping communities.

While the Church has made grave mistakes throughout its history, it has recognized and overcome these errors because of its faithfulness to its true purpose, which is to connect people to God's love. We're involved because we hear a call -- and see a chance -- to help the Church become be more faithful to God.

Can someone really be Christian and Gay?

Of course. The essence of Christ's teaching is that the Kingdom of God is open to all. Membership in the Christian community is in no way limited by Hebrew purity codes. People only exclude themselves by trying to keep others out.

How is your church responding to people with AIDS?

Constructively. The Episcopal Church was the first mainline church to publicly stat that AIDS was not caused by the wrath of God. The federal government continues to look to the Episcopal Church for leadership in issues of HIV as related to the religious community, and as a major link to ethnic communities. In fall of 1985, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles formed the Commission on AIDS Ministry which has been actively involved in advocacy, education for adults and children, and in the programs of other service organizations. The Diocese also funds the work of Project New Hope, which is building lo-income housing, for people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as retraining them in word processing skills. The AIDS Service Center of Pasadena was founded by All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena.

Do women have a role in the Church?

The Episcopal Church encourages involvement of women at every level. There are no gender-based barriers to women acting in any role. There are female bishops, priests and deacons, national and diocesan convention delegates, commission heads and vestry people.

Does the Church bless same-sex unions?

First, if you are in a loving relationship, you are already blessed!

Many parishes within the Episcopal Church do conduct ceremonies to celebrate committed, same-sex unions. To date, the National Church has not yet developed an "official" policy or liturgy. The official policy of the Diocese of Los Angeles is to let each congregation and its priest decide whether it wishes to conduct such ceremonies. This leaves room for wide latitude in practice.

What do I have to do to have a union blessed?

Become part of a parish community. Generally, same sex union ceremonies thank God for blessing the parish community with a loving and committed couple. It is a statement of communal recognition and support to a couple who are committing to a shared life. Viewed in this light, it makes little sense to conduct such a ceremony outside the context of a worshiping community. Most priests would require counseling sessions together as well as membership in the parish long enough for the parish family to recognize the relationship as a committed one.

What is the Episcopal Church doing about homophobia?

We are overcoming fear with love, and overcoming lies by living truthfully.

What does the Church think about having sex outside of a committed relationship?

Like so many issues, this is one where the Church continues to explore and study. The Church regards a lifelong, committed and monogamous relationship as the highest or greatest context for genital sexual expression. However it does not insist upon celibacy for those who have not been blessed with such a relationship. Many conscientious Christians believe that what is important from the standpoint of Jesus' teachings is that one's relationships be honest, faithful (i.e., no betrayal of trust), and mutually nurturing.

What can the Church offer me?

A direct and tangible experience of the love of God. Remember, though, one’s ability to grow in knowledge of God is limited only by one's willingness to be transformed by that knowledge. No freedom is free.

What can I offer the Church?

Your gifts and talents! There are endless opportunities for involvement. You can make a difference just by being who you are. You can make a bigger difference by pitching in.