[The Episcopal News – June 5, 2024] The world desperately needs the witness of non-binary Christians because their struggles for inclusion, equality and recognition have given them unique skills and perspective, Bishop John Harvey Taylor told LGBTQIA+ Episcopalians and allies gathered at his Pasadena home for their annual garden party on June 2, the beginning of Pride Month.
Taylor delivered his remarks before a playful but heartfelt ceremony in which the Very Rev. Christopher Montella, who has served as chair of the Bishop’s Commission on LGBTQ Ministries since 2016, handed a symbolic leadership baton – rainbow-hued, of course – to Thomas Diaz, member of All Saints Church, Pasadena, former vice-chair and now chair of the commission, which is known as “GLEAM.”
Echoing Taylor’s comments, the Rev. Canon Susan Russell, the diocese’s canon for Engagement Across Difference and staff liaison to GLEAM, told the group, “You are here for a reason. And the reason is the aching need of this world, of this church, of this planet for a vision of love inclusivity and beloved community, and queer people are the ones to lead the way. This is who we are, this is what we do, and there’s no better place to do it from than the Diocese of Los Angeles.”
Russell thanked Montella, who is rector of St. Stephen’s Church, Santa Clarita, and dean of Deanery 2, for his service as chair, and invited all LGBTQIA+ Episcopalians to join what she called “the GLEAM Team” to continue carrying out its ministry. No matter what their interests or skills – throwing parties, organizing advocacy and action, designing liturgies, sharing information – “we’re going to have a workgroup for you,” Russell said.
Diaz, the new chair, shared his own story of discovering The Episcopal Church some eight years ago. Uneasy about his place as a gay man in God’s world, he stumbled on a YouTube video of a sermon by Russell that led him to All Saints Church, Pasadena, and its active LGBTQIA+ community. He has since joined the All Saints staff, been elected a deputy to General Convention, and served on the nominating committee that determined the slate of candidates for The Episcopal Church’s next presiding bishop, to be elected at the convention in Louisville, KY, later this month.
“Right now, we’re equipped to go out into the world, be disciples of [God’s] love, and most importantly, remind the world … that we are all made and created in that image of great divine love. We are worthy of love, and belonging.”
The event concluded with a hat contest, with prizes for best use of flowers, best use of Pride colors, best message or theme, best matching hats, and best upcycled or handmade hat.
GLEAM’s next project is the L.A. Pride Parade at 11 a.m. on Sunday, June 9 in Hollywood. Bishop Taylor will lead the Episcopal Church contingent. Others who wish to participate need to sign up by emailing gleamlainfo@gmail.com. For more information, see the Episcopal News Update for June 9.