FAQ

Are all Episcopal Churches Inclusive?

The Episcopal Church warmly welcomes our LGBTQ+ siblings, but it would be disingenuous to say that the entire church is in the same place on this journey. As with all spiritual journeys, everyone walks at their own pace. Some Episcopal congregations are actively involved in LGBTQ+ ministry and their arms are open wide; others are more reserved, but their doors are still open to all; some are still wrestling with their beliefs and feelings. But we’re on this journey together, and The Episcopal Church is dedicated to full inclusion and equality in the church as well as in society as a whole.

St. Barnabas’ arms are wide open to our LGBTQ+ siblings. 

Do LGBTQ+ persons get to participate in the sacraments?

Absolutely! As Episcopalians, we see the church's sacraments as gifts from God given to all people.  

Each sacrament has its traditional requirements or teachings to help people understand them better. But what's important is, that these prerequisites apply equally to everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. Here are some examples:

• Baptism

  For Baptism, at least one parent and one godparent must be baptized. If you're not baptized but want your child to be, we can arrange for both parents and children to be baptized simultaneously. We understand if choosing a godparent seems challenging, especially if you're new to Christianity or our tradition, or lack supportive family and friends. We're here to help and can connect you with an experienced member of our parish to serve as a godparent for you or your child.

• Communion

  All baptized Christians, no matter their tradition, are welcome to participate in Communion.

• Marriage

  We celebrate all forms of love. Marriage is open to all adults who can legally marry, including LGBTQ+ couples. If either person has been previously divorced, they'll have to provide a divorce decree and get the bishop’s permission, as per diocesan policy. All couples are also required to complete pre-marital counseling with our priest or a mental health professional of their choice.

• Other Rites (Confession, Unction, Confirmation, Ordination)

  These sacraments are available to all individuals in the church, provided they fulfill certain requirements set by the church, diocese, or denomination. The same rules apply to everyone, whether they belong to the LGBTQ+ community or not.

What does it mean to be an affirming church?

We warmly acknowledge and value the unique gifts, presence, and leadership that LGBTQ+ individuals contribute to our church and God's Kingdom. We hold a firm belief that the Gospel of Jesus Christ embraces everyone into God's saving grace. This inclusion doesn't depend on our faithfulness or obedience, but solely on Christ’s perfect life, death, and resurrection.

Through His actions, Jesus Christ flawlessly executed God's salvation plan for the world, fulfilling the law and liberating those He calls to love God and their neighbors. In this calling, Jesus generously offers forgiveness for our sins, eternal salvation, justification before God, and the promise of sanctification through the Holy Spirit's gift.

But it doesn't stop there. The Gospel of Christ goes beyond, erasing all distinctions and hierarchies among people. As St. Paul beautifully articulates in his letter to the Galatians (3:23-27), we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Regardless of our differences - Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female - we are all one in Christ Jesus. If we belong to Christ, we are the descendants of Abraham and heirs according to the promise.

In Christ Jesus, we've all become God's children, granted the righteousness of Christ, and are continuously being molded more into Christ's likeness by the Holy Spirit's inspiration and work. This message is clear: EVERYONE is welcomed and included in the church!

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