Easter Greetings!
For the third year, I am elated to invite the faith communities of the future Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes to share our message of God’s all-inclusive love with our neighbors through local Pride Festivals. This is an opportunity to show up in the world and share a message some may have never felt from the Christian church, “you are loved, unconditionally, irrevocably, and just as you are.”
June is “Pride Month,” though pride events happen throughout the year. Many communities, especially those in larger cities or county seats, will host Pride Festivals, whether in June or later in the summer. These celebrations of love and authenticity vary place to place but will often include parades, concerts, lectures, parties, and more as well as space for local organizations to come, set up space, offer solidarity, and connect with attendees seeking affirming companies, nonprofits, communities, and churches.
We are going to continue this year to sponsor throughout our area at a basic level, getting the name of The Episcopal Church out in these settings across our state. We’ll consider higher sponsorships if you, the local congregation, can commit to showing up in-person. By leveraging our sponsorship, we can work with you to ensure your community has access to the physical space to be present, engage, and offer invitation and love.
Already sponsoring yourselves? Let’s talk about how we can go further in supporting your efforts. Planning your own event? I want to know about it and contribute as we can. Several congregations from the same area at the same festival? Imagine the impact when all of the Episcopalians show up!!
To let me know that your congregation will commit to showing up in-person (or some other planned engagement with secular Pride spaces), please fill out the request form as soon as possible. Multiple requests for the same festival will be grouped together to collaborate. Applications will be addressed on a rolling basis, understanding that there are various dates for Pride Festivals — deadlines may hit and space may run out.
I look forward to seeing The Episcopal Church in the Mitten showing up once more to declare God’s love for all creation. Please be in touch with me with any questions or to talk together about possibilities for your engagement.
Yours in Christ,
Katie Forsyth
Canon for Evangelism and Networking
The Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan
kforsyth@eastmich.org kforsyth@edwm.org
Photo: Members of Holy Spirit, Belmont participate in Grand Rapids Pride alongside several other Episcopal congregations.
The proceeds for our 2024 Pride T-Shirt (about $5 per shirt) helps to slightly off-set our costs for sponsoring local Pride events. This year’s shirt features a common quote from our outgoing Presiding Bishop: “If it’s not about love, it’s not about God!” Multiple colors, S-4XL. $34/shirt. Click here to purchase.
