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LGBTQ+ ministry

The Episcopal Church has a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being.

Leadership is a gift from God and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Ordination and the offices of bishop, priest, and deacon are open to all without discrimination. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. We affirm the gifts, presence, and leadership that LGBTQ+ people bring to the church and Kingdom of God.

We believe that God loves us all – no exceptions. Learn more here.

Affirming congregations

While The Episcopal Church warmly welcomes our LGBTQ+ siblings, not every congregation is in the same place on this journey. As with all spiritual journeys, everyone walks at their own pace. But we’re on this journey together, and The Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Southern Ohio are committed to full inclusion and equality in the church as well as in society as a whole. Congregations and communities in our diocese who proudly identify as affirming of all God’s children are listed below.

This list continues to grow as more of our congregations do the important work needed. To be added to the list, email LGBTQ@diosohio.org.

LGBTQ+ Alliance

The LGBTQ+ Alliance is a network of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies who are Christians or curious about their faith. We aim to build community, affirm and celebrate our unique gifts, and share the Good News of Christ’s love within the Episcopal Church.

We affirm and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals as beloved children of God. We recognize the pervasive social isolation, particularly felt by LGBTQ+ individuals facing exclusion from their families and faith communities. This ministry initiative offers spaces of inclusion, belonging, and hope.

Available Programming

DIVINE is a curriculum that provides a respectful, inclusive, and empowering space for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families to find support, resources, and spiritual nourishment. We affirm the sacredness of each person.
 
Our five-week program includes dinner, conversation, and support. We share meals, read scripture, share stories, and explore the Christian tradition’s meaning for us. Youth are paired with LGBTQ+ adult mentors, and parents/caregivers connect and support each other.
 
We seek host parishes, participants, and leaders for Divine in your area. Learn more at you-are-divine.com.

The LGBTQ+ Alliance will facilitate four regional AGAPE FEASTS in Fall 2025 for LGBTQ+ parishioners and allies. These feasts celebrate inclusive love, offer listening opportunities for leaders, and extend invitations to host a DIVINE program and participate in sensitivity training. More information TBA.

We aim to create a healthy, Christ-centered, welcoming community of allies and LGBTQ+ parishioners equipped to connect with and support LGBTQ+ individuals in their communities. 

LGBTQ+ Alliance leaders offer to speak to your vestry and ushers/greeters about inclusive church practices and provide sensitivity training. Canon Katie Forsyth, Drew Abbott, and the Rev. Phil Hooper are available to lead conversations around inclusion. To schedule, email LGBTQ@diosohio.org.

Click here to join our email list or request more information about participating, hosting at your parish, or participating in leadership opportunities.

Affinity groups

We encourage the creation of affinity groups where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can meet up for fellowship and conversation throughout the year, not just during Pride month.

  • A Cincinnati-area affinity group meets the last Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Queen City Exchange. For more information, contact Drew Abbott at drew@rdrewabbott.com.
  • A Columbus-area affinity group meets monthly at different locations around Columbus. See the list of upcoming gatherings here. For more information contact Alex Wenning at LGBTQ-columbus@diosohio.org.
  • St. Timothy’s, Cincinnati, offers The Crowded Table, a LGBTQ+ dinner-church potluck, on the last Sunday of each month from 5 to 7 pm. For more information contact the Rev. Alice Connor at alicec@sainttimothys.com.
  • Families and Allies of LGBTQIA+ People, A LOVEboldly Ministry, is a faith-based support group in Cincinnati that provides a safe, open, nonjudgmental, and affirming space where all are welcome. We believe we are called to respond lovingly to our children and families. This group meets the first Monday of each month at 7 pm in the Cincinnati area. Please contact us at parents@loveboldly.net for more information.

Contact LGBTQ@diosohio.org if you are interested in starting a group for your area or would like to add an existing group to this list.

Pride Festivals

The Diocese of Southern Ohio is committed to providing a significant presence of The Episcopal Church at Pride celebrations in our communities. Across the region, we sponsor festivals and booths, march in parades, and hold Pride Masses.

See all events

If you are interested in establishing an Episcopal Church presence at a Pride festival near you, contact Julie Murray, canon for community engagement, for assistance with getting supplies, volunteers, vendor tents and more.

Resources

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Visit our Bonfire Store to purchase crew neck t-shirts, tanks, crew neck sweatshirts, and hoodies.

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Cincinnati, OH 45202

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