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Anglican Bishops affirm LGBT+
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry • August 3, 2022

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry signs statement with Anglican bishops and primates affirming and celebrating LGBTQ+ people

Note: Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is among the bishops from around the Anglican Communion attending the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England, who have thus far signed the following statement affirming and celebrating LGBTQ+ people. Additional signatures are being added. 


“So then, you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.” – Ephesians 2:19


“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” – John 13:34


God is Love! This love revealed by Jesus, described in the Scriptures and proclaimed by the Church, is Good News for all – without exception. That is why we believe that LGBT+ people are a precious part of God’s creation – for each of us is ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (Psalm 139:14), and all are equally loved.


We recognise that many LGBT+ people have historically been wounded by the Church and particularly hurt by the events of the last few weeks. We wish to affirm the holiness of their love wherever it is found in committed relationships.

We therefore commit to working with our siblings across the Communion to listen to their stories and understand their contexts, which vary greatly. However, we will never shy away from tackling discrimination and prejudice against those of differing sexualities and gender identities.


Together, we will speak healing and hope to our broken world and look forward to the day when all may feel truly welcomed, valued and affirmed.


See current list of signatories.

By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers February 6, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, I hope you have your calendar marked for the St. James Ministry Marathon this Sunday, February 9. The event has been delayed by snow and ice, but this Sunday, you can learn more about the many opportunities for prayer, study, service, and community at St. James. This past Sunday was exciting as our Justice Ministry gathered to prepare us for a big turnout at our Nehemiah Action on April 8. You can learn more about that ministry and others this Sunday.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers January 30, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, Thank you for celebrating with our folks who were baptized, confirmed, and received on Sunday. We all promised to support them in their faith. Supporting one another in following Christ is what we do. Your time, talent, and money help make that happen through St. James. I am excited about our Ministry Marathon coming up on February 9 where we can all learn about the many ways we serve and support.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers January 24, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, What a week it has been. There was football, an inauguration, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We have also continued to experience very cold temperatures around here. Then we see that the Episcopal Church is in the news as a result of the sermon of The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde at the Service of Prayer for Our Nation at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Bishop Cole commends this sermon to all of us. I encourage you to read it HERE. I have seen many positive and a few negative responses to it. Bishop Budde stood and delivered the type of message that I hope you often hear at St. James. She called for mercy and compassion for vulnerable people. This is what the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us too.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers January 16, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, Snow and ice caused us to postpone our Ministry Marathon until February 9. On that day you will find folks in different spots sharing about the various ministries here at St. James. This will be a good day to see the church, learn about ways to serve, and connect with friends old and new. You may be surprised at all the various opportunities to serve, pray, and study together.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers January 9, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, Our church calendar has many feasts and fast days. These days remind us of the stories and faithful people they commemorate and encourage us to live our faith today. This Sunday is the first Sunday after the Epiphany and is the day we celebrate the baptism of Jesus. It is fitting that we are having our Ministry Marathon as we remember this event. Baptism is our initiation into the Body of Christ. All members of the body are empowered to serve as ministers. The Ministry Marathon can help us discern ways we can use our gifts in God's service.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers January 1, 2025
Friends and Neighbors, A new year dawns and voices all around call us to make resolutions, be more productive, and to change our bodies. Sure, some good messages are there, but they often get covered with blame, shame, and exhaustion. I appreciate that a call to be a faithful follower of Christ isn't a call to be perfect. Following Christ is a journey. Sometimes we take a wrong turn or need to stop and rest. The metaphors of scripture and tradition speak of being made well, growth, bearing fruit, and death that leads to resurrection. Faith is an ongoing process in which God's grace is working in us.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers December 25, 2024
Merry Christmas! Yes, the Church continues to celebrate Christmas beyond the one day. Even with 12 days of Christmas, the mystery of incarnation continues to unfold in our world. I see us living out that mystery at St. James by the way we seek to feed the hungry, do justice, and nurture our souls in prayer and worship together. We become those who bear Christ to the world.
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers December 19, 2024
Friends and Neighbors, As Advent moves towards Christmas, we are currently in Ember Days (12/18, 12/20, 12/21). These days of prayer and fasting correspond closely to the change of seasons. You will see them indicated on liturgical calendars, but I will confess that even many of us clergy have to look up what they mean. The Episcopal Church uses those days as times that people in the ordination process are to write letters to their bishop. Can a fast that has fallen out of practice mean anything for us in the present time? I am exploring that as I think about the approaching solstice, holiday festivities, and the onslaught of information in our time.
By Andrew Jeske-Polyak December 14, 2024
What an absolutely exhilarating moment for St. James Episcopal Church! We were overjoyed to witness a vibrant gathering of 115 attendees, marking a historic milestone in our community's engagement and support for the Justice Knox Research Process. With over 30 enthusiastic participants placed on each committee, we have truly set a new benchmark. Previously, the largest Research to Action Kickoff in 2016 logged 101 attendees! This remarkable achievement is a shining testament to your unwavering dedication to justice and the nurturing spirit that defines our congregation. As we continue to flourish, it is vital that we keep strengthening our connections and expanding our network. Let’s keep this momentum going! Stay tuned for additional information from your team leader regarding our Congregational Network Meeting coming up in February, and if you have those dates ready, please share them with me at your earliest convenience. Together, we are shaping the future of our outreach and inreach ministries, and we can
By The Rev. John Mark Wiggers December 12, 2024
Dear Friends and Neighbors, The weather and the world seem to be changing day to day. I know how I have joined in the common lament that I don't like change. The truth is that change is the norm, the constant through creation. Advent calls us to look for some change. Christ coming into our world isn't an endorsement of the status quo. Christ comes calling us to repentance. My favorite translation of the word repent is "change your minds and hearts". A transformation of our hearts and minds changes how we see the world and each other.
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