First Openly Gay Bishop To Lead The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri With Hope And Vision

From Missouri-

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri will soon have a new bishop. The Rev. Deon Johnson officially will become the 11th bishop of the diocese when he is consecrated on June 13. Johnson’s transition into the role is historic: He’s the first openly gay bishop to lead the Diocese of Missouri. 

He and his husband and their two kids moved to St. Louis in February with hopes of getting adjusted to the region. That was put on hold as the coronavirus pandemic grew. St. Louis Public Radio’s Marissanne Lewis-Thompson spoke with Johnson about his new role and how he’s approaching the position in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Marissanne Lewis-Thompson: What kind of guidance has the diocese given as a result of everything that’s going on with the coronavirus?

Deon Johnson: In the midst of all of this, the highest priority are the people in our communities, making sure that they stay safe. So, one of the things that has come out of the bishop's office here in the Diocese of Missouri is that we have closed all public worship until the end of May, at which point we'll re-evaluate. But we really wanted to make sure that those vulnerable populations, our neighbors in Christ, were not going to be impacted directly by actions of either clergy or just going to church or getting together.

More here-

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/first-openly-gay-bishop-lead-episcopal-diocese-missouri-hope-and-vision#stream/0

Desmond Tutu’s long history of fighting for lesbian and gay rights

From The Conversation-

Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu is mostly known to the world for his highly prominent role in the campaign against apartheid in South Africa. This role was internationally recognised by the awarding of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize. 

Tutu continued his activism even after the country’s democratic transition in South Africa in the early 1990s. Among other things, he served as chair of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission which sought to deal with the crimes and injustices under apartheid, and to bring about justice, healing and reconciliation in a wounded society. He retired as Archbishop of Cape Town in 1996.

In more recent years Tutu has become known for his strong advocacy on issues of sexuality, in particular the rights of lesbian and gay people. For instance, in 2013, he made global headlines with the clear and succinct statement, in typical Tutu fashion, that he:

"would rather go to hell than to a homophobic heaven."

More here-

https://theconversation.com/desmond-tutus-long-history-of-fighting-for-lesbian-and-gay-rights-131598

The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Diocese of Ogbaru, Anambra State, on Monday, described Nigeria as a country at a crossroads and in a reverse gear without a steering. Addressing newsmen at the Basilica of St. James Cathedral, Atani, Ogbaru Local Government, the Bishop, Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, said what Nigeria needed now was divine and international intervention to save it from collapse.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/nigeria-at-crossroads-reverse-gear-anglican-communion/

The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Diocese of Ogbaru, Anambra State, on Monday, described Nigeria as a country at a crossroads and in a reverse gear without a steering. Addressing newsmen at the Basilica of St. James Cathedral, Atani, Ogbaru Local Government, the Bishop, Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, said what Nigeria needed now was divine and international intervention to save it from collapse.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/nigeria-at-crossroads-reverse-gear-anglican-communion/

The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Diocese of Ogbaru, Anambra State, on Monday, described Nigeria as a country at a crossroads and in a reverse gear without a steering. Addressing newsmen at the Basilica of St. James Cathedral, Atani, Ogbaru Local Government, the Bishop, Diocese of Ogbaru, Rt. Rev. Prosper Amah, said what Nigeria needed now was divine and international intervention to save it from collapse.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/02/nigeria-at-crossroads-reverse-gear-anglican-communion/

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan consecrates its first lesbian bishop

From Christian Post-

The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan has consecrated its first openly lesbian bishop, in a move that the liberal mainline regional body is confident will not lead to further large-scale departures from the denomination.

The Rev. Bonnie A. Perry was consecrated as the eleventh bishop of the diocese at a ceremony held Saturday at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.

Perry had been elected bishop in June of last year on the fifth ballot of the Special Electing Convention held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Detroit. She got the votes of 64 clergy and 118 laity, which surpassed the minimum requirement of 55 clergy and 94 laity, according to Anna Stania, director of Communications for the diocese.

Stania also told The Christian Post that Perry did not experience any opposition to her candidacy because of her sexual orientation or that she is married to someone of the same-sex.

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-diocese-of-michigan-consecrates-its-first-lesbian-bishop.html

Episcopal Diocese of Michigan ordains its first female and openly lesbian bishop

From Michigan-

The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan on Saturday ordained and consecrated Dr. Bonnie Perry as its first female and openly lesbian bishop at a ceremony in Dearborn.

Perry said the ceremony was "one of the most intense experiences" of her life, as she was surrounded by clergy and community members who came to welcome her into the diocese.

She said she wants to help all communities and people feel at home.

"For me, it's about full inclusion for all people -- straight, gay, bi, trans, gender fluid -- this is about everyone, all are welcome," Perry said. "Every time you exclude someone you exclude the possibility of change and transformation."

Perry received 64 clergy votes and 118 lay votes to be elected bishop; she needed a minimum of 55 clergy votes and 94 lay votes. All the candidates up for the position of bishop were women, according to the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. The diocese was formed in 1836.

More here-

https://www.abc57.com/news/episcopal-diocese-of-michigan-ordains-its-first-female-and-openly-lesbian-bishop 

and here-

https://theunionjournal.com/metro-detroit-episcopal-church-elects-first-lesbian-bishop/

Trinity Episcopal Church Gains National Recognition

From St. Louis-

Trinity Episcopal Church is receiving national recognition for its contributions to LGBTQ history in St. Louis. 

The Central West End church became the first and only site in Missouri and the Episcopal Church to be named on the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the LGBTQ community.

The church became an early supporter of gay rights and LGBTQ parishoners in 1960s and people living with AIDS in the 1980s. Trinity was ahead of the game, said the Rev. Jon Stratton, the rector at the church.

“We were inclusive far before the national church was,” Stratton said. “We have been a place of welcome for the LGBTQ community for well over 50 years. Which again was not a typical thing in churches and wasn’t really even typical within the Episcopal Church going that far back.”

More here-

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/trinity-episcopal-church-gains-national-recognition#stream/0

Integrity’s new president elected unopposed as former presidents call for group’s dissolution

From ENS-

Integrity USA, the nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ advocacy within The Episcopal Church, will have a newcomer as its next president as it continues to grapple with infighting over transparency, procedure and purpose. Ron Ward will take over as president on Feb. 1, the result of a special election to fill the remainder of the Rev. Gwen Fry’s term, which ends in 2021. Fry resigned in November after criticism from members over perceived mismanagement.

Ward was the sole candidate for the presidency, and members have expressed concern and frustration with the election process on Integrity’s Facebook group, with some arguing that Integrity’s reputation is damaged beyond repair, its mission is unclear and it should fold.

Former presidents Susan Russell, Fred Ellis and Helena Barrett have joined the calls for Integrity’s dissolution in recent weeks, with Russell writing on her blog that “it’s time to let it go.”

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/01/28/integritys-new-president-elected-unopposed-as-former-presidents-call-for-groups-dissolution/

Anglican bishops soften stance on Lambeth Conference

From Kenya-

The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has softened its position on the forthcoming Lambeth Conference, allowing bishops who wish to attend the once-in-a-decade gathering to do so in their individual capacities instead of a total boycott.

However, Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit says the bishops will be doing so because of the “historic nature of the gathering” and “for exposure”.

The bishops who attend the conference will carry with them the church’s memorandum stating ACK’s position especially with regard to the ordination of gay ministers. Archbishop Sapit is among those who will not be attending the conference.

More here-

https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Anglican-bishops-soften-stance-on-Lambeth-Conference/1056-5431944-jfvxov/index.html

Former Female Episcopal Priest Links Women’s Ordination to LGBT Activism

From Church Militant-

A former Episcopalian female "priest" is warning of the "grave danger" of women's ordination as it is inextricably linked to homosexual activism, rooted in feminism and perpetuates confusion about gender and the Eucharist. 

Ordaining women priests is a revolt against Catholic orders, a rejection of the Fathers' teaching and a denial of the authority of Scripture, writes Alice Linsley in a hard-hitting essay in the Anglican journal Virtue Online.   

Linsley, who served as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A. (ECUSA) for 16 years, renounced her orders and quit her denomination "as it moved toward a radical revision of the Gospel, setting aside the apostolic Tradition for its social justice agenda."  

More here-

https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/female-episcopal-ex-priest-links-womens-ordination-to-homosexual-activism

National Cathedral dedicates plaque honoring hate crime victim Matthew Shepard

From Washington D.C.-

The Washington National Cathedral has installed a plaque memorializing the life of Matthew Shepard, who was killed in an infamous 1998 attack that galvanized support around expanded federal hate crime laws. 

The plaque was installed Tuesday at the Episcopal cathedral after Shepard's remains were interred there last year in the columbarium near the Chapel of St. Joseph of Arimathea. 

“Matt, rest gently in this place. You are home safe now,” the plaque quotes from Bishop Gene Robinson’s 2018 homily. 

In a news release, Shepard’s mother said that the family put a lot of thought into deciding where his remains would be interred. She said her son felt welcome at an Episcopal church he attended in Wyoming. 

“We've given much thought to Matt's final resting place, and we found the Washington National Cathedral is an ideal choice, as Matt loved the Episcopal church and felt welcomed by his church in Wyoming,” Judy Shepard said. “For the past 20 years, we have shared Matt's story with the world. It's reassuring to know he now will rest in a sacred spot where folks can come to reflect on creating a safer, kinder world.” 

More here-

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/national-cathedral-dedicates-plaque-honoring-hate-crime-victim-matthew-shepard

Episcopal LGBT advocacy group head resigns amid allegations of mismanagement

From Christian Post-

The head of an organization dedicated to advancing LGBT advocacy within the Episcopal Church has resigned amid accusations of mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The Rev. Gwen Fry, who had been elected president of Integrity USA in June 2018 to serve a three-year term, announced last week in a letter dated Nov. 25 that she was resigning from her position due to various personal and health issues.

“A few months ago, I returned from medical leave. I moved across the country and reunited with my wife after a lengthy separation. We are in the middle of selling one house and purchasing another one,” she explained.

“Following my relocation, I have taken a more hands on role regarding my extended family that includes failing physical health, dementia and suicidal ideation causing hospitalization. As you can imagine, it has been a stressful time.”

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-lgbt-advocacy-group-head-resigns-amid-allegations-of-mismanagement.html

Integrity president resigns amid mounting criticism

From ENS-


The Rev. Gwen Fry resigned Nov. 25 as president of Integrity USA – the nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ advocacy within The Episcopal Church – as the organization’s volunteer board faces members’ accusations of mismanagement and lack of transparency.

Fry, in a letter posted on Integrity’s new website, cited “a great deal of change in my personal life,” including severe medical issues in her family and a cross-country move. Fry was elected to a three-year term in June 2018, but late that year she went on medical leave, which Integrity didn’t announce until July 2019. She did not return to her work as president until September 2019.

“As you can imagine, it has been a stressful time,” Fry wrote. “None of this was happening, or even a remote possibility, when my name was put forward for nomination to be elected president of Integrity USA. After prayerfully discerning where I am in life, I have decided that it is important to focus on my family, which is why I’m resigning as president of Integrity USA.”

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/11/26/integrity-president-resigns-amid-mounting-criticism/

Church of Ireland clergy object to conservative bishop’s appointment

From Ireland-

Thirty-six senior Church of Ireland clergy have put their names to an open letter objecting to the appointment of the newly elected Bishop of Down and Dromore due to his involvement with a conservative Anglican group.

In a letter to the church’s House of Bishops, the signatories say they are concerned Archdeacon David McClay may not be an appropriate choice due to his membership of the Gafcon (Global Anglican Future Conference) Ireland movement.

They believe the group’s policies are “antithetical” to the principles a Church of Ireland bishop must commit to in the rite of consecration. These include “fostering unity, care for the oppressed, and building up the people of God in all their spiritual and sexual diversity”.

Gafcon was founded in 2008, originally to oppose same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ people. It has proclaimed itself as a unique upholder of biblical orthodoxy and as “a global family of authentic Anglicans standing together to retain and restore the Bible to the heart of the Anglican Communion”.

More here-

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/religion-and-beliefs/church-of-ireland-clergy-object-to-conservative-bishop-s-appointment-1.4085840

Facing financial struggles and board resignations, Integrity apologizes for lack of transparency

From ENS-

Integrity, the nonprofit organization dedicated to LGBTQ advocacy within The Episcopal Church, is a shadow of its former self, beset by struggles with leadership, finances and communication – as well as questions about whether it is still relevant or necessary in 2019.

Many longtime members and former Integrity leaders have expressed frustration and concern at what they consider mismanagement and a lack of transparency, and with tension boiling over on social media within the past two weeks, board members say they are making a renewed effort to improve organization and communication.

“I have failed to be perfect … and I fear that the spiritual, mental, and physical health of Integrity has suffered because of it. For this, I am profoundly sorry for any part that I have contributed to with regard to the health of our organization,” the Rev. Gwen Fry, president of Integrity, wrote in a statement posted on Facebook and Integrity’s new website, which went live on Oct. 17.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/10/18/facing-financial-struggles-and-board-resignations-integrity-apologizes-for-lack-of-transparency/

Pro-Gay Episcopalian Service Moved Off Catholic Parish After Backlash

From The Church Militant-

A parish in the diocese of Lansing, Michigan was originally going to be the venue for a Protestant service honoring a pro-LGBT Episcopalian bishop's retirement, but after pushback was was moved off diocesan property.

The Episcopalian bishop, Wendell Gibbs, an active proponent of same-sex "marriage," is retiring from his role as head of the denomination's Michigan diocese. A service and reception honoring his two decades of leadership were originally scheduled to take place on Nov. 9 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brighton.

But the celebration was later rescheduled for the Episcopalian St. Paul Cathedral in Detroit.
The reasons for the venue change are unclear. But it is known that it comes amid complaints from some Anglicans as well as Catholics.

Conservative-minded Anglicans took exception to Gibbs' retirement taking place at a Catholic parish, owing to Gibbs' open support of same-sex "marriage." A petition opposing the event's venue was filed with Bp. Earl Boyea of the Catholic diocese of Lansing — the diocese in which St. Mary Magdalen is located.

More here-

https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/catholic-parish-to-host-episcopalian-service

Tallahassee church holds service to remember Pulse nightclub victims

From Florida-

People from all over are remembering the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting three years ago. 

There were 49 people killed at Pulse Nightclub that night in Orlando. Wednesday night, each of their names will be read aloud. 

One local church joined hundreds of others across the country in ringing their bells 49 times in remembrance. 

"It is the church's way of acknowledging the lives that were lost senselessly too soon. It is our way of saying that we understand and that we are praying for you as a faith community," said Kathleen Walker, Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Parish Life at St. John's Episcopal Church. 

More here-

https://www.wtxl.com/news/local-news/tallahassee-church-holds-service-to-remember-pulse-nightclub-victims

Oklahoma Episcopal bishop speaks up about LGBTQ issue at Anglican gathering

From Oklahoma-

The worldwide Anglican Communion continues to grapple with the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the church, with mixed results.

The most recent example of the faith group's wrestling with the issue stemmed from a proposal that Oklahoma's Episcopal bishop made at a recent leadership gathering.

In the end, the Rt. Rev. Ed Konieczny's proposed resolution and an ensuing debate resulted in the Anglican Communion's symbolic leader apologizing for snubbing the spouses of gay and lesbian bishops. A promise also was made to develop a format for churches in the Anglican Communion to hear the voices of gays and lesbians and others who bear the brunt of discrimination.

Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, called it a win for the unity of the Anglican Communion and his desire to see that the human dignity of all people is respected in the church.

More here-

https://oklahoman.com/article/5632700/oklahoma-episcopal-bishop-speaks-up-about-lgbtq-issue-at-anglican-gathering

LGBT clergy, representing the new face of faith, speak out dangers of systemic spiritual abuse

From Philadelphia-

Are these radical new beliefs? Are these simply new political trends that aim to upend the teachings of Jesus? Not really, says Michael Ruk, an Episcopal priest.

“Jesus speaks very little about sexuality in the New Testament, but he does constantly include and expand the Kingdom of God to the outcast and embraces them,” said Ruk, who leads St. Philip's Episcopal Church in New Hope. “It’s not one text, but the entirety of Jesus' life and the ministry which informs this belief. [It’s really all about looking] at the collective understanding of transformative teachings of Jesus.”

Ruk, who is also openly gay, says a third of his congregation is LGBT and that the church takes part in the Pride Parade every year. He goes so far as to apologize on behalf of Christians for their history of sexism, homophobia and the damage it has done.

More here-

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news/lgbt-clergy-representing-the-new-face-of-faith-speak-out/article_4e51792a-5a22-11e9-be32-cbb474fcc359.html

Speaking Clearly About the Cost LGBTQ People Bear

From Union-

Several months ago, I received an email asking me to serve on the Taskforce on Communion Across Difference. Truthfully, my initial reaction was to say “absolutely not.” Growing up as an effeminate Latino gay kid in a small, mostly white town in rural Texas, the wounds are still fresh even as I approach my 38th year. I have only recently begun speaking about the fear of physical violence, the incessant teasing of my voice since the age of six, the nights that my family received prank call after prank call from fellow classmates screaming “faggot” into my mother’s ear, and how, after one particularly bad night, this resulted in my first of three suicide attempts.

Therefore, the idea of seeking communion across difference with Episcopal church theologians, editors, and clergy who are actively promulgating the idea that LGBTQ relationships are inherently sinful, made my stomach turn. And then, as if to bring this work even closer to home, my boyfriend proposed to me in late October. He and I will be married at the end of June in our Episcopal church.

More here-

https://utsnyc.edu/speaking-clearly/?fbclid=IwAR3Rl9b_9S0H8-gCpUPZQdyEWNirrzDKGtSJEOT1w--qqP782oxdBaHr-pU#.XJVNryIGmxY.facebook

Gay Nigerian reverend to be ordained by Church of England

From Nigeria-

Popular gay Nigerian cleric, Jide Macaulay, will, in June, be ordained an Anglican priest by the Church of England.

Macaulay revealed this on his Instagram page on Wednesday where he also posted a copy of his invitation letter.

He wrote, ‘It is a delight to share this news. I am to be ordained Anglican Priest in the Church of England in June 2019.

“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord,” Psalm 27:14.”

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has always rejected calls from western powers to ordain gay priests.

Macaulay was born on November 4, 1965. He is a pastor an ordained minister, an LGBTQ, human rights and HIV/AIDS activist, community builder, queer theologian, lawyer, and parent.

More here-

https://punchng.com/gay-nigerian-reverend-to-be-ordained-by-church-of-england/

The Church of England must break its toxic colonial legacy

From Thomas Reuters-


March 12 marks the 25th anniversary of the ordination of women priests within the Church of England. Yet while today marks one milestone, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people remain second-class citizens.

Next year the Anglican bishops from around the world will meet for the Lambeth Conference. Except that a tranche of them, mostly from sub-Saharan Africa, will boycott the event because of the toleration (as they see it) some churches show towards ungodly behaviour.

In their eyes, this is because the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church of the United States (and one or two others) have welcomed and included LGBT+ people in the life and ministry of their churches and support equal marriage.

The Archbishop of Canterbury sits poised anxiously and uncomfortably on the fence between these two blocks.

More here-

http://news.trust.org//item/20190312112422-o0hg4/