Mobilizing to counter increasing political attacks on democratic freedoms, members of the diocesan Sacred Resistance Sanctuary Task Force and the Bishop’s Commission on LGBTQ+ Ministries gathered for brunch hosted May 17 by Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Canon Kathy O’Connor at their home, the Episcopal Residence in Pasadena (see also related Bishop’s Blog post below).
In welcoming remarks, Bishop Taylor decried rising tactics of “scapegoating and massive mendacity” that are assaulting freedoms of especially vulnerable immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. He affirmed the mission of “churches that tell the truth, that are countercultural… that have voices like those of (Washington D.C. Episcopal Bishop) Marianne Budde, and (Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop) Sean Rowe,” the Sacred Resistance Sanctuary Task Force, and the Commission on an LGBTQ+ Ministry, and the Diocese of Los Angeles – voices that are “small in number, but it amplified by resonance with the values of the risen Christ which ultimately will be irresistible.”
Bishop John Harvey Taylor and Canon Kathey O’Connor receive a commemoration of leadership and hospitality, surround by (from left) the Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy, the Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia, Thomas Diaz, and the Rev. Canon Susan Russell.
LGBTQ+ Commission Chair Thomas Diaz, director of pastoral care at All Saints Church in Pasadena, presented Taylor and O’Connor with a framed commendation of their leadership and hospitality, paying tribute to both in advance of the bishop’s scheduled retirement next year.
The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, diocesan staff liaison to the LGBTQ+ commission, traced the 35-year history of the group’s work, inviting all in the diocese to join the Los Angeles Pride March on June 8 in Hollywood (see related story and registration link).
The Rev. Dr. Francisco Garcia and the Rev. Canon Jaime Edwards-Acton, two co-leaders of the diocesan Sacred Resistance Task Force, underscored the importance of taking a united, holistic approach in protesting the increasing erosion of civil rights.
Edwards-Acton invited financial contributions to support the advocacy work of both diocesan groups, which have partnered to sell a T-shirt for marchers to wear during L.A. Pride June 8.
On view during the brunch were selected T-shirts from Pride marches during the past 35 years, many featuring logos designed by Canon Randolph Kimmler, who also attended this year’s gathering.