Photo: David Rider

A look at The Episcopal Church’s legislative records reveals a decades-old history of speaking out on issues related to gender justice. Support of the Equal Rights Amendment. Affirmation—and reaffirmation—of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people. Denunciation of abuse in relationships. Combatting discrimination against those who are HIV positive. Advocating for access to gender-affirming care. Condemning unnecessary book censorship at schools and libraries.

These examples, and the many related churchwide resolutions, represent our commitment to treating all people with dignity. Undergirding our words—and more importantly, we hope, our actions—is our bedrock belief that we love God by loving and caring for God’s people.

Gender justice is a core principle for the Anglican Alliance, which describes it as “women and men, girls and boys, living in just, equal, and mutually supportive relationships, with each individual recognized as made in the image of God.” The alliance brings together advocacy efforts from across the worldwide Anglican Communion, of which The Episcopal Church is a member.

A 2022 Episcopal Church resolution called for a new staff officer to focus on LGBTQ+ and women’s ministries. This dedicated role shares resources and advocates for those involved in the struggle for gender justice.

LGBTQ+ in the church

A half-century after coming together as a church to declare before God that LGBTQ+ people have full and equal claim to the pastoral care of our church, we celebrate the many gifts these siblings bring as lay leaders, deacons, priests, and bishops—and continue to work for full inclusion and safety.

Women in the church

Episcopal women have had a long journey to ordination as priests and bishops, serving the church in numerous ways since the 1800s, even as many prayed and advocated for equal leadership standing. We celebrate their impact and decry the violence that continues to harm women and girls throughout the church and world.