Affirmation of WelcomeWe believe that all people are worthy of respect and honor, because all are created in the image of God, and all can respond to the love of God. In our baptismal vows we commit ourselves, with God's help, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, by loving our neighbors as ourselves, respecting the
dignity of every human being, and striving for justice and peace among all people. Yet we see that, in our churches and in society, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are not always counted among those for whom the Church seeks justice, or grants due respect, as loving and beloved members of the household of God. We recognize that fear of, and discrimination against, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people is part of an oppressive history within the Church and society, which distorts our relationship with God and with other people, and diminishes the humanity of us all. Therefore, we feel compelled to make explicit our welcome of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people into the ministries and life of this congregation, incarnating the message, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You." We encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people to participate in all aspects of the ministries of this church, by bearing witness to Christ, and fully participating in our life, worship and governance. Where we see divisions, we will seek, with God's help, to be a people of reconciliation, offering a love that casts out all fear. Where we see injustice and ignorance, we will offer our ministry of advocacy and education, trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us all into truth.
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