Pride 2023: We Are Sorry

May 24, 2023

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Our faith in following Jesus is about being committed to living the way of God's unconditional, unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive, and transformational love.

Many of us try our best to walk the path of Jesus Christ in love, kindness, and respect for others, but as followers of Jesus, we don't always get it right. We have turned away, shunned, and ostracized others because of their differences. While the Episcopal Church has long embraced the gifts of the LGBTQIA+ community, Christianity as a whole has caused hurt and harm and for our part in that, we are sorry.

In the month of June, 2023, the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri seeks to reconcile with those whom we have hurt. We seek to promote the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people and to advocate to dismantle barriers within the church and community.

Join us in our campaign for reconciliation, love and pride as we celebrate Pride Month.

No matter who you are, no matter who or how you love, no matter what you have been told; you are God’s gift and we celebrate all that you are, all that you have been, and all that you will be. You are God’s own, God’s blessing, God’s love, just as you are!
- The Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson,
Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

Join the Campaign

We invite individuals and faith communities of all kinds to join us in this lamentation and pledge to be a more open and inclusive community.

There are many ways you can show your commitment to the I am Sorry Campaign:

• Share the I am sorry lamentation.
  download the lamentation
  
  
  share the video on YouTube

• Place a yard sign or poster at your home or house of worship.
  download the artwork to create a yard sign or a poster (.jpg file)
  
  
  download the artwork to create a yard sign or a poster (.pdf)
  

• Purchase an apology T-shirt or sticker from the Diocesan Online Shop:
  diomo.threadless.com

• Invite and welcome everyone to be a part of your faith community!
  
  
• Sign our "I Am Sorry" Campaign Pledge:

As a follower of Jesus, I believe our community is infinitely better and stronger because of the LGBTQIA+ community. I promise to be an outspoken advocate for the protections, visibility, and opportunity you deserve.

I Am Sorry Pledge

* Your name:

* Your home city:

* Your home state:

* Your email address:

Your home church:

I would like more information about LGBTQIA+ ministries in the Diocese of Missouri (please be sure to leave your email address above):

Yes

No

Share your comments about this campaign:

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Submit

Thank you for pledging to join us as we reconcile with those whom we have hurt. We seek to promote the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people and to advocate to dismantle barriers within the church and community.

LGBTQIA+ Ministry Resources

We invite you to explore the resources on our LGBTQIA+ page to learn more and take an active role in this ministry:
LGBTQIA+ Ministry

Watch the Bishop's Campaign Intro