Celebrating Pauli Murray, the First Queer Saint in The Episcopal Church

by on May 25, 2023 with 2 Comments

TAIZÉ PRAYER LITURGY: SUNDAY, JULY 2, 4:30 P.M., in the cathedral nave and livestreamed. (QuiC Meet & Greet to follow in the cathedral nave)

FORUM: WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 6 P.M., Bloedel Hall and via Zoom

The Saint Mark's Queer in Christ Ministry has planned two events in July honoring The Rev. Pauli Murray, the first Black person perceived as a woman in the U.S. to become an Episcopal priest, and the first queer person added to The Episcopal Church's "Calendar of Saints" (called Lesser Feasts & Fasts). Murray's feast day is July 1.

Taizé Prayer Liturgy in Honor of Pauli Murray, Priest, Activist, Scholar, and Poet

A special Taizé Prayer liturgy will be offered Sunday, July 2, including readings and prayers by Pauli Murray and specially chosen music. (This service is offered in the first-Sunday, 4:30 p.m. time usually taken by Choral Evensong, which will be on summer hiatus.) A Queer in Christ Meet & Greet will follow the liturgy in the southeast corner of the nave. Contact Michael Seewer to learn more: mseewer@saintmarks.org

Forum on Pauli Murray, Priest, Scholar, Activist, and Poet

On Wednesday, July 12, at 6 p.m., noted author (and creator of the Brave Sis Project) Rozella Kennedy will present an evening hybrid forum in Bloedel Hall and on Zoom, exploring who Pauli Murray was, their life as a priest, activist, scholar, and poet, and why their story is important to us today. Stay tuned for more details about this event.

Proud People Spotlight: Rose Hazard

by on May 24, 2023 with 3 Comments

In this occasional series, the Saint Mark's Queer in Christ ministry will be highlighting the voices of LGBTQ+ members of the cathedral community.

How you found Saint Mark's

After a two-year period of identifying as bigender, my egg cracked on Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, 2021. The day your egg cracks is the day you realize you are transgender.

In light of such a transformative experience, I desired to find an accepting place to celebrate Easter. This was doubly hard to do in person at the time, due to the pandemic. After some Googling, I found out that Saint Mark’s was having an outdoor sunrise service. I was terrified, but so excited, to spend my first Easter as my true self. Everyone was so kind and welcoming, and Canon Jennifer King Daugherty sealed my interest in Saint Mark's when she made a point to make sure I knew I was welcome here.

I have since formed so many beautiful relationships in our church, and I know someone will always be there for me if I need support. The women of the church were so quick to claim me as one of them, and that was so important to me during the early parts of my transition, especially after feeling so isolated during the pandemic.

Why the Queer in Christ ministry is important to you (perhaps even in a church/denomination that is already accepting and inclusive)

This ministry is so important to me because it opens up a space where queer parishioners can freely talk about their gender and sexual identities with other Christ followers.

Within the nave, you don't want to assume someone else is queer without first knowing them, and conversations are generally more vague and less personal. This ministry allows us to meet other queer congregants and to really encourage each other and get to know each other. There is a lot of anti-religious sentiment in the queer community, so it's very nice to be there for each other and know we aren't alone.

A reflection on the intersection between your sexual orientation/gender identity, and your faith as a Christian/Episcopalian

I was raised in an Evangelical faith tradition that taught homosexuality and being transgender is a sin. From a young age, I felt like I should have been born a girl, but I had no idea I had any options other than having another side of me exist in the deepest secrecy.

I met someone who completely opened up my mind and heart to the queer community, and this eventually allowed me to explore myself fully. When I realized that I am a trans woman, I knew I couldn't live any other way from that point forward but I was afraid that I would have to practice my faith by myself since I wouldn't be accepted in church.

Being unconditionally accepted by Saint Mark's and the Episcopal Church has meant the absolute world to me, and has helped me to foster a much stronger faith of hope and love, instead of fear and guilt. This acceptance has helped me to thrive in all facets of my life and has caused me to have the desire to give back through service. I have a particular yearning to serve the queer community and to show other trans and queer people that they too can have a spiritual home

Rose's Renaming Liturgy, January 22, 2023

Saint Mark’s at Pride Night of the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Storm

by on May 19, 2023 with No Comments

Mariners: TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 6:40 P.M., T-Mobile Park (or meet at the cathedral at 5:15 p.m.)

Storm: THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 7 p.m., Climate Pledge Arena

Deadline to register: SUNDAY, JUNE 4.

Join Queer in Christ ministry group members and friends for the Mariner's Pride Night at T-Mobile Park on Tuesday, June 13! The game starts at 6:40 p.m., and those who wish to travel together are invited to meet at Saint Mark's at 5:15 to walk together to the Capitol Hill light rail station. Reserve your Mariners tickets by completing this form. Tickets cost $19. For questions about the Mariners game, write to Rose Hazard at: pinuprose90@gmail.com

The following week, on Thursday, June 22, you are invited to join together at Seattle Storm's Pride Night at Climate Pledge Arena. Reserve your Seattle Storm tickets by completing this form. For the Storm event, the ticket cost is contingent upon us getting a minimum of 20 reservations, and then each ticket will cost $45. For questions about the Storm game, write to Michael Seewer at: mseewer@saintmarks.org

Deadline to reserve your tickets for either event is end of day on Sunday, June 4. You will be asked to pay for your ticket if you submit a reservation, even if you are not able to attend in the end. If you purchase a ticket and end up not being able to attend, you can gift your ticket to somebody else.

Transphobia has no place in the Christian Church

by on March 30, 2023 with No Comments

 A Message from Dean Thomason

Dear friends,

Haters will hate…and yet we have another story to tell!

As we approach Holy Week and the heart-heavy task of walking with Jesus to the cross and beyond, I am keenly aware of the harm that is done when religion is misused to justify crimes against humanity. The One we follow was killed by the deadly concoction of distorted religious fervor by the few, doused with the flammable rhetoric of a politics of hatred.

The sin of transphobia and the devastating effects on the dignity of human beings is not new, but it does seem to be escalating in our country. This week a television talk show host took the further step of twisting theological language to advance the argument, and his rhetoric sent a violent message to his followers. I do not join his echo chamber regularly, but its ripple effects were sobering and fearful for the trans and queer communities. For their sakes, I watched the segment, and feel the need to respond.

This person does not speak for me, or for this cathedral community, and his transphobic tropes are poorly developed, dangerously extrapolated, and provocative of the sort of violence we, as Christians, eschew. We have a different message to share with one another and with the world—it is one of love, mutuality, dignity, respect, all while espousing the Christ-like virtue of non-violence. This is who we are; let us show the world what it means to be Christian!

To that end, I want to highlight a special forum tomorrow evening in which Saint Mark’s is hosting the Rev. Canon Carla Robinson who will facilitate a conversation of hope and respect observing the Transgender Day of Visibility. You are invited to join in Bloedel Hall or via Zoom. Registration is required, and the space will be moderated. Cis-gendered participants should take our cues from our trans siblings.

Canon Robinson is a transgender priest in the Episcopal Church, a leader in this diocese, a blessing to this cathedral community which sponsored her for ordained ministry, and I count Carla+ as a friend, confidante and counselor to me. I marvel at her witness to Christ’s love, and I have learned much from her. We are grateful for her ministry in our midst.

We have a different story to tell, and our world needs it now as much as ever. This cathedral community is committed to this work, and I hope you will join the effort. I am,

Your sibling in Christ,

The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason
Dean and Rector

 

Transgender Day of Visibility

by on March 22, 2023 with No Comments

UPDATED 

FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 6:30–7:30 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom

Join The Reverend Canon Carla Robinson, Canon for Multicultural Ministries and Community Transformation in the Diocese of Olympia, the Saint Mark's Cathedral Queer in Christ ministry, and others from across the diocese in observance of Transgender Day of Visibility. Learn about why this observance is important, and hear from transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals and allies from our diocese about what the church can do to increase awareness and support of the transgender community as well as what the church can learn from trans people and their experiences. All are welcome!

Canon Robinson will host this event in person in Bloedel Hall. The Zoom option will still be available. No registration is required to attend in person, just show up! Otherwise, if you wish to attend via Zoom, please complete the Zoom registration here to receive your Zoom link.

UPDATE: In-person participants may wish to attend a portion of the Protest and March for Trans Lives, which begins at 4 p.m. very close to the cathedral at Volunteer Park. Speeches and performances are planned for the first 60–90 minutes in the Volunteer Park amphitheater, followed by a march to Cal Andersen Park. More details here; also see the Facebook event page here.) The doors to Bloedel Hall (at the rear of the cathedral building) will open between 5:30 and 5:45 for the 6:30 p.m. forum.

New Ministry Launch: Queer in Chirst

by on February 11, 2023 with No Comments

UPDATED WITH VIDEO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 10:10 A.M., Bloedel Hall

Queer in Christ, a new ministry forming at Saint Mark’s, welcomes all whether you identify as part of the queer community, you are an ally, or you just want to find out more. We gather together in fellow-ship and friendship while learning more about being queer in the church. Join us on Sunday, February 19 for a forum in Bloedel Hall between the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services to learn more about this new ministry, what got it started, and what the future looks like. Questions? Contact Sacristan Michael Seewer at mseewer@saintmarks.org or Canon Rosario-Cruz at: erosario@saintmarks.org

UPDATE: A video of this forum is now available:

Queer Theology Workshop with Hugo Alas

by on February 6, 2023 with 2 Comments

UPDATED WITH VIDEO

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2023, 9-11 A.M., online via Zoom

In this workshop, we will understand what queer theology is, analyze the relationship between theology, sexuality, gender and sexual orientation, and critique the assumptions institutional religions have about gender and sexuality."

En este taller, buscamos comprender qué es la teología queer, analizar la relación entre teología, sexualidad, género y orientación sexual, y criticar los presupuestos de las religiones institucionales sobre el género y la sexualidad.

UPDATE: A complete video is now available: 

About the Facilitator:

Hugo Alas is a member of the Ministry of Sexual Diversity of the Anglican Episcopal Church of El Salvador with advanced studies in Global Queer Theologies from the Higher Institute of Interreligious and Social Studies (ISDEIS) of Argentina. With the Sophia Institute of the USA, he has studied Theology and History of Christianity. He is an industrial engineer with a master's degree in quality management and twelve years of experience as a university professor.

Sobre el facilitador:

Hugo Alas es Miembro del Ministerio de Diversidad Sexual de la Iglesia Episcopal Anglicana de El Salvador. Posee estudios superiores sobre Teologías Queer Globales por el Instituto Superior De Estudios Interreligiosos y Sociales (ISDEIS) de Argentina. Con el Institute Sophia de USA, ha sacado su diplomatura en Teología e Historia del Cristianismo. Es ingeniero industrial y Maestro en Gestión de la Calidad, con doce años de experiencia en docencia universitaria.

 

Saint Mark’s Returns to PrideFest

by on June 8, 2022 with No Comments

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022, 11 A.M.–8 P.M.

Capitol Hill PrideFest is Back... and so is the Saint Mark's booth!

We will have a tent and display on Broadway during Pride weekend on Saturday, June 25, from 11 a.m. on toward evening. Just like last time—pre-pandemic—we will have fun talking with festival attendees about Saint Mark's and handing out info and souvenirs. PrideFest is a great time and a great way to represent your faith community to a variety of folks looking for a spiritual connection.

To sign up, contact The Rev. Eliacín Rosario Cruz: erosario@saintmarks.org or Deacon Earl Grout: deaconeg@gmail.com

March in the Pride Parade!

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, meet downtown at 11 a.m. (exact location to be announced); registration required.

Join the Diocese of Olympia for the 2022 Seattle Pride Parade. Though many, we truly are one as we march for justice and dignity. By our actions we demonstrate that the Episcopal Church of Western Washington really does welcome everyone. Learn more and register here. Once you register, you will receive precise instructions about where to meet on Sunday, when the information is available. All marchers get a free tee shirt!

 

Forum on The Santa Marta Anglican Center

by on February 10, 2022 with No Comments
Above: Santa Marta Center donation links. Click to enlarge.

UPDATED WITH VIDEO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 10:10–10:50 A.M., Bloedel Hall or via Zoom.

The Santa Marta Anglican Center: Supporting LGBTIQ+ youth in El Salvador

The Santa Marta Anglican Center supports LGBTIQ+ youth in El Salvador who are facing homelessness. It is a ministry of the Diocese of El Salvador, part of the Anglican Church in Central America. Attend this Sunday morning form in person or online to learn more about Diocese of El Salvador's work to advance LGBTIQ+ rights, celebrate LGBTIQ+ stories, and support LGBTIQ+ youth and young adults who have been kicked out of their homes.

Check out an article about the work of the Center here.

Their fundraising official, Joseph Russ, is visiting from El Salvador to share the story of founding the Center, the faith that grounds this work, and how this faith becomes action by accompanying queer Salvadoran youth and young adults.

A complete video of the presentation may be seen here:

¡Encuentro! Meet People in El Salvador and Hear about the Work on for LGBTQ Rights and Safety

by on May 18, 2021 with No Comments

¡Encuentro! Meet Each Other!
Meet People in El Salvador (via Zoom) and Hear First-Hand Their Stories—and Stories from four Saint Mark’s Folks, too!

SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2:30–4:30 P.M. via Zoom: email Canon Nancy Ross for link: nross@saintmarks.org

Meet people and hear first-hand their stories of living in El Salvador, and hear the personal stories from four Saint Mark’s community members, too, for mutual sharing, as we kick-off Pride Month together with an Encuentro (gathering to get to know each other). It’s a chance for us to learn more about the situation in El Salvador, where many members of the migrant community in U.S. come from, and to hear about the Diocese of El Salvador’s work to advance LGBTQ+ rights, as we celebrate individuals’ stories and share in solidarity with LGBTQ+ members. Saint Mark’s is a supporter of the Anglican Church of El Salvador’s Santa Marta Center project, to offer shelter and services for LQBTQ+ youth and young adults, many of whom have been kicked out of their homes or deported. The Anglican Church of El Salvador is one of the few open and affirming churches in a region that has historically been (and continues to be) very hostile to LGBTQ+ people. Let’s meet each other with gratitude for this chance to begin an ongoing relationship. Email Canon Nancy Ross for the link: nross@saintmarks.org.