Gay Episcopalians to March

While anti-gay rights pastors like Rev. Ken Hutcherson get tons of publicity, a big contingent of Episcopalians will be showing the flag and proclaiming their faith in this weekend's Sunday of Pride march in Seattle.

"In organizing these events, I wanted to reclaim Christianity from these people and remind the community, Christian and secular, that there are inclusive, welcoming and affirming voices in the church," said Blaire Notrica of the Commission for Emerging Mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia.

With the approval of Bishop Greg Rickel, the church contingent will be marching behind a banner proclaiming, "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You."

The "affirming voices" have already been lifted. A Pride Eucharist and Party drew more than 100 people to St. Mark's Cathedral on Monday.

The Diocese of Olympia has been out front in its inclusiveness.

In January, the diocese welcomed a visit from the Rt. Rev. V. Gene Robinson, Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire and the first open, partnered gay to serve as a diocesan bishop in the church.

Bishop Robinson presided at services held in St. Mark's Cathedral and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, and lectured to a full house at Town Hall.

The issue of Robinson's elevation to the episcopate, approved by the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, has caused deep divisions in the Protestant denomination.

 See

Gay Episcopalians to March

Seattle Post Intelligencer