Bishops of the Diocese of North Carolina Offer Statement of Support for LGBTQ+ Community
We are all beloved children of God. As Christians, the tenets of our faith require us to speak up when the message of God’s love is distorted and misused to denigrate others in the fullness of their humanity.
Our LGBTQ+ siblings continue to come under attack – verbally and physically – simply for being who they are. The threats to their well-being, and the denial of the dignity to which they are entitled, are unjust and immoral and put them at an exponentially increased risk of danger. They worship and serve with the rest of us, ministering with and to us in lay and ordained roles within our churches and the wider community. They are emotionally, spiritually and corporally due the same respect and safety God desires for all of us.
Anyone who uses the Bible to justify hate sinfully misrepresents the teaching of Christ. There is no place for it in our church, and we, as Christians, can neither support nor ignore it. When hatred is voiced by elected officials under the guise of faith, we must speak up, and we do so now.
While The Episcopal Church has made mistakes and been slow to welcome our LGBTQ+ siblings into full fellowship and service in our churches, we are now committed not only to full inclusion, but also to public advocacy, especially when the LGBTQ+ community is attacked by people in positions of authority. We cannot stand by silently in the face of attacks by public officials, and we now raise our voices in support of our LGBTQ+ siblings.
We call on all clergy and lay leaders from all faith traditions to break the silence barriers and join us in publicly affirming the dignity and respect due all beloved children of God – each and every one of us.
And to our LGBTQ+ siblings: You are not only welcomed, you are valued and affirmed. You are made in the image of God, and we stand with you.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman
Bishop, Diocese of North Carolina
The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson
Assistant Bishop, Diocese of North Carolina
