Presiding Bishop’s Pride Month statement honors LGBTQ Episcopalians

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry today offered the following statement:

Jesus said: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

In my years of ministry, I have personally seen and been blessed by countless LGBTQ sisters, brothers and siblings. Dear friends, the church has in like manner been blessed by you. Together with many others you are faithful followers of Jesus of Nazareth and his way of love. You have helped the church to be truly catholic, universal, a house of prayer for all people. You have helped the church to truly be a reflection of the beloved community of God. You have helped the church to authentically be a branch of the Jesus movement in our time.

Your ministries to and with this church are innumerable. I could speak of how you often lead our vestries, and other leadership bodies in the church. I could speak of how many of you organize our liturgies of worship, lift our voices in song, manage church funds, teach and form our children as followers of Jesus, lead congregations, ministries and dioceses. But through it all and above it all, you faithfully follow Jesus and his way of love. And in so doing you help the church, not to build a bigger church for church’s sake, but to build a better world for God’s sake.

During June, Americans and people around the world observe Pride. Today, as we mourn the 49 people who were murdered at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando three years ago, I am mindful that Pride is both a celebration and a testament to sorrow and struggle that has not yet ended. Especially this month, I offer special thanks to God for the strength of the LGBTQ community and for all that you share with your spouses, partners and children, with your faith communities, and indeed with our entire nation.

A Prayer for Pride Month

(based on a prayer from Trinity Wall Street)

God, our friend, you told our ancestors that the rainbow is the sign of your blessing and protection, especially after times of despair. We remember all those who have worked to make your church a place of invitation for LGBTQ+ people. We remember those who have fought for LGBTQ+ equality under the law and in practice in the United States. We remember those for whom these freedoms are not yet realized. We pray for those who live under the threat of fear of intimidation, oppression, and violence by their neighbors or by the state. We remember those who fight for equality today and tomorrow. We will never forget. We remember that your challenge to love our neighbors will challenge even us. We remember that for some of us welcome and celebration in our families and faith communities is sometimes occasional or elusive. This month we raise our own rainbow. May it serve as a sign of hope, a sign of our commitment to justice, inclusion, and welcome, and of your love made real in us. May it be a blessing to all who come this way. Amen.