D025 Amend Canons III.6.5(g), III.7.5, III.8.5(b), III.9.1, III.10.1(c), III.12.1, III.12.2
Episcopalians promise at their baptism to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving [our] neighbor as [ourselves.]” While LGBTQ+ persons are increasingly visible and welcomed in many of our congregations, clergy are not consistently educated regarding the diversity of human sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, or prepared and equipped to address the pastoral concerns of their congregants in these areas. Gender and sexuality are important aspects of human life and flourishing, and clergy need accurate, research-based information about the diversity of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in order to provide support and pastoral care for all their congregants, particularly LGBTQ+ young people and their families. Understanding and support from families and community is particularly important for the mental and physical health of LGBTQ+ youth; rejected youth are at a higher risk for depression, drug use and suicide.
Explanation
Episcopalians promise at their baptism to “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving [our] neighbor as [ourselves.]” While LGBTQ+ persons are increasingly visible and welcomed in many of our congregations, clergy are not consistently educated regarding the diversity of human sexuality, gender identity and gender expression, or prepared and equipped to address the pastoral concerns of their congregants in these areas. Gender and sexuality are important aspects of human life and flourishing, and clergy need accurate, research-based information about the diversity of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation in order to provide support and pastoral care for all their congregants, particularly LGBTQ+ young people and their families. Understanding and support from families and community is particularly important for the mental and physical health of LGBTQ+ youth; rejected youth are at a higher risk for depression, drug use and suicide.