The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego

For years, issues of sexuality have been, both in secular society and in the Church, a source of conversation and dissention. The Episcopal Church takes this conversation seriously even as we open ourselves up to the movement of the Holy Spirit. We recognize that good, faithful people hold differing opinions on these issues.

In the Diocese of San Diego, the 2008 convention approved the formal study of holiness in relationships by a task force composed of theologically diverse clergy and laity. Throughout their eighteen-month, in-depth study of various texts and history, they developed an informative curriculum for use in congregations. The "Holiness in Relationships Task Force Report" and its authors are available to facilitate conversations in congregations within our diocese, and beyond.

Bishop Mathes writes of the report, "it is my hope that these conversations will not only be a part of the listening process commended throughout the Communion regarding homosexuality, but it will also be the place where our churches grow in their abilities to handle conflictual issues."

For more information about connecting with Task Force members, contact Suzanne Foucault.

General Convention Resolution C056 "Blessings for Liturgies"

Holiness in Relationships Task Force Report (PDF)

Our Cathedral Church of St. Paul has long been one of the largest contingents in the San Diego Pride Parade, held annually in July. This is one of the most visual and important ways that we have of reaching out to the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer) community, many of whom have given up on or been driven away from any organized religion.

For more information about Pride Parade participation, contact Chris Harris.

Resources for LGBTQ Episcopalians

• Integrity is a nonprofit social and advocacy group for LGBTQ Episcopalians and straight allies, with chapters around the nation.
• TransEpiscopal is a group of transgender Episcopalians and their significant others, families, friends, and allies dedicated to enriching their spiritual lives and to making the Episcopal Church a welcoming and empowering place that all can truly call their spiritual home.
• Beyond Inclusion offers resources on same-sex commitment ceremonies within the Episcopal Church.
• Claiming the Blessing is a coalition of pro-equality Episcopal organizations that has a goal of “promoting wholeness in human relationships, abolishing prejudice and oppression, and healing the rift between sexuality and spirituality in the Church.”
• The Witness magazine is a progressive, unofficial publication for members of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion that supports equal rights for LGBTQ Episcopalians.