LGBTQ+ Inclusion at Grace

At Grace, we believe all people are worthy of respect and honor. We affirm that all are created in God’s image and are capable of responding to God’s love.

However, we know that in the church and in society, LGBTQ+ people aren’t always valued and celebrated as loving and beloved members of God’s creation, exactly as they are. We confess that the church, in particular, has weaponized our scriptures and traditions to support discrimination and oppression of LGBTQ+ people. We have been too slow to seek justice, freedom, and joy for all God’s children.

Therefore, we want to say clearly: At Grace, LGBTQ+ people are welcome to participate fully in all areas of ministry and parish life. We welcome the ministry and witness of all people to serve as leaders and members of our life, worship, and governance.

At Grace, we celebrate the beautiful diversity of all people in the uniqueness of who we are. We want to embody the message, “The Episcopal Church welcomes you.”

(adapted from Oasis Missouri Ministry’s Affirmation of Welcome)