Queer in Christ 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 fellowship and friendship while learning more about being queer in the Church. To learn more or get involved, email: QueerInChrist@saintmarks.org
Queer Conversations
FOLLOWING EVENSONG ON THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, 5:30 P.M., Leffler House
PLEASE NOTE: the May conversation has been moved to the second Sunday, May 11.
Join the Queer in Christ ministry immediately after Choral Evensong for “Queer Conversations”. We will meet following the conclusion of Evensong in Leffler Living Room, for refreshment, fellowship, and a discussion on a variety of topics.
Upcoming Conversations:
- FEBRUARY 2, 2025: Gather to meet new QuiC leadership and discuss plans for the new year.
- MARCH 2, 2025: Kick-off gathering for the 2025 Lenten discussion series
- APRIL 6: Sharing Queer Joy and reflecting on the upcoming Parish Forum
MAY 4MAY 11: Topic: "Co-Creating with God"
Timeline
1976
The Episcopal Church passes its first resolution on “homosexual persons,” stating that they “have a full and equal claim upon the love, acceptance, and care of the Church.”
1996
Thom Monnahan and James Black are the first same-sex couple to have their union blessed at Saint Mark’s, Seattle. The previous year, the couple had gone on a widely-publicized 10-day hunger strike in the chapel of Saint Mark’s to protest the discriminatory treatment of gay people in the Church.
1999
The Very Rev. Robert Taylor is named Dean of Saint Mark’s, becoming the first openly gay person in The Episcopal Church to serve as a cathedral Dean.
2003
The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire becomes the first openly gay Bishop in the Anglican Communion.
2009
The Rev. Canon Carla Robinson is ordained a priest at Saint Mark’s, becoming the first Black trans woman priest in the Episcopal Church.
2012
A contingent from Saint Mark’s Cathedral marches in the Seattle Pride Parade for the first time.
2015
The Episcopal Church approves fully equal access to Holy Matrimony for all couples regardless of gender.
Queer in Christ Ministry Newsletter
A newsletter containing updates, announcements, recommendations, and reflections.
To get on the list to receive future issues, please send an email to Sacristan Michael Seewer, mseewer@saintmarks.org
Current issue
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Links
On January 13, 2025, the Department of Gender Justice and Department of Racial Reconciliation, Justice, and Creation Care of The Episcopal Church hosted a webinar titled Building a Fighting Church, Part 1: Defending the Dignity of Trans and Non-Binary People in 2025 and Beyond. Over 400 people attended. The Diocese of Olympia's own Canon Carla Robinson was one of the presenters! A complete archive video and the slides from the presentation are available here.
St. Hugh Episcopal Church in Elgin, Illinois, has shared this useful page: What does the Bible say about homosexuality, same-sex attraction, & being transgender?
Find a large collection of resources and references on the webpage of TransEpiscopal, and independent organization working toward fuller inclusion and embrace of trans and nonbinary people within the Episcopal Church.
Signup for email alerts from the Episcopal Public Policy Network.
Photos
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