A Monthly Pride Mass: Love Should Never Be Forgotten
In a world often shadowed by division and exclusion, the Episcopal Church stands as a beacon of love and acceptance. Recently, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Omaha held its third annual Pride Mass, featuring guest preacher Rev. Ethan Alexander Jewett and guest singers from the LGBTQIA+ community. This event highlighted the church’s commitment to inclusivity and provided a powerful message of God's love for all people. However, an annual Pride Mass is not enough. Holding a Pride Mass every month should become the standard of the Church, not merely an act of goodwill towards the LGBTQIA+ community. An ongoing show of support for the marginalized LGBTQIA+ community is an essential step towards embodying the teachings of Christ and fostering a truly inclusive faith community.
The Episcopal Church has a longstanding tradition of affirming the dignity and worth of every individual. As Bishop Scott Barker of Nebraska's Episcopal churches eloquently stated, "It's really important to celebrate God's love for all people." In today's fractured political climate, this message is more crucial than ever. A regular Pride Mass can affirm that God's love knows no bounds and extends to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Church's journey towards inclusivity has been marked by both progress and missteps. Bishop Barker acknowledged, "Partly what we're doing is atoning for our own past mistakes. The church has not always been as good as we are today about celebrating folks from the gay and lesbian community." A monthly Pride Mass would serve as a continuous act of atonement and commitment to doing better. It is a way to say, "We recognize our past shortcomings, and we are dedicated to creating a more loving and inclusive future." An annual event, while significant, does not provide the continuous support and affirmation needed by the LGBTQIA+ community within the Church.
For many LGBTQIA+ Christians, churches have historically been places of rejection rather than refuge. By instituting a regular Pride Mass, the Episcopal Church can create a welcoming space where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, heard, and loved. This consistent celebration can help heal the wounds of exclusion and foster a sense of belonging within the faith community. It sends a powerful message that the Church is a sanctuary for all, where everyone is welcome at God's table.
The Episcopal Church has the opportunity to lead by example in the broader Christian community. As Rev. Ethan Alexander Jewett, a guest preacher at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral’s third annual Pride Mass, demonstrated, advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community is a profound expression of faith. By committing to a monthly Pride Mass, the Church can inspire other denominations and faith communities to embrace inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
A monthly Pride Mass is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community; it benefits the entire congregation. It provides an opportunity for all members to grow in their understanding and acceptance of one another. It strengthens the bonds of community by fostering empathy, compassion, and love. As Bishop Barker noted, celebrating God's love for all people is especially important in a divided world. A regular Pride Mass can be a powerful tool for uniting the congregation and reinforcing the Church's commitment to love and inclusivity.
Holding a Pride Mass every month is a profound expression of the Episcopal Church's commitment to love, inclusivity, and atonement. It is a way to celebrate God's unconditional love for all people, to atone for past mistakes, to create a welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals, to lead by example, and to strengthen the faith community. This regular celebration can be more than just a service; it can be a sanctuary of solace, acceptance, and divine connection for the LGBTQIA+ Episcopalian community. An annual event, no matter how well-intentioned, simply cannot provide the ongoing support and affirmation that a monthly celebration would bring. The Episcopal Church must rise to this challenge, offering continual love and acceptance to all its members every month of the year.