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m i s s i o n

The name "Beyond Inclusion" comes from the idea the word "inclusion" implies there is one group on the inside and one group on the outside. But, since we are all children of God, how can one group decide to include those who are already part of the group? There is no "us" and "them." We are Beyond Inclusion.

Beyond Inclusion, an organization of gay and straight people together, wants to convince the mainstream parishioner, and help the mainstream parish, move toward blessing same-sex relationships. Beyond Inclusion testifies that same-sex relationships are holy and beautiful in the sight of God, are theologically and liturgically justifiable, are compatible with Scripture, and should be blessed and recognized by the church. Additionally, the ordination of lesbians and gays represents an asset to the church community. Beyond Inclusion also recognizes all justice issues are inter-related; homophobia, racism, sexism, and xenophobia all come from the same source. Where you find one, you are likely to find the others.

Beyond Inclusion is dedicated to pushing the Episcopal Church forward on the issue of same-sex blessings, specifically aiming at passage of legislation at the Church's General Convention in 2003. Beyond Inclusion also sets a goal of high visibility and usage of Beyond Inclusion educational materials in parishes nationwide as a conduit to justice for all within the church and the wider world.

Welcome to our homepage! If you are gay or lesbian, we hope this page will be your source of information about the Episcopal church in the diocese of Los Angeles. In the navigation bar you will find basic information about the Episcopal church and welcoming parishes, a bibliography on Christian spirituality for gays and lesbians, as well as a calendar of upcoming events. In addition, this site has a resource list of publications, videos and curricula used by various denominations when dialoguing on the topic of homosexuality and the church. If you are from a parish struggling with this issue, please take a look at our resource list under About Us and Our Church, in the subheading "Readings of Interest."

WELCOME TO CHANGING ATTITUDE

INVITING EPISCOPAL CHURCHES

The Episcopal Church INVITES you... Whoever you are, just as you are!

What is Integrity?

Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Episcopalians and our straight friends.  Since our founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites.  However, advocacy is only one facet of our ministry.  At the national level and in local chapters and diocesan networks throughout the country, the primary activities are:

• worship
• fellowship
• education
• communication
• outreach, and
• service to the church

Through Integrity's evangelism, thousands of LGBT people, estranged from the Episcopal Church and other denominations, have returned to parish life.

Although the Episcopal Church has made tremendous strides toward inclusiveness, it still has a long way to go.  Unfortunately, in too many parishes and dioceses, prejudice and oppression are still the norm.  Whatever your sexual orientation, Integrity needs your support and membership.  Join today!