The Rainbow Presence

LGBT Episcopalians to be Visible with Rainbow Presence at Easter

On Easter, April 8, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, and supportive allies in The Episcopal Church will wear a sign of the rainbow to Church in response to the February 19, 2007 Communiqué of the Primates Meeting in Tanzania.. This Rainbow Presence will be a visible witness to The Episcopal Church's Welcome of all the children of God and the value of their ministries in church and in the world.

The Rainbow Presence will be a visible sign to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Episcopalians that they have a community of support.. It will also give a human face to the “issue” being discussed by the Primates and the leadership of The Episcopal Church. We believe that decisions about our place in the church cannot be made without knowing who we are and talking with us rather than about us.

The Primates’ Communiqué laid out steps to be taken by the Episcopal Church, specifically by the House of Bishops, by September 30, 2007. We do not agree with the course of action recommended in this Communiqué as it calls for sacrifice of the ministries and loving relationships of gays and lesbians for an illusive false unity. We also do not believe the bishops should take these steps given the clear decisions made by General Convention in its Constitution and Canons.

We are asking lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual Episcopalians and their supporters to wear something that shows your support: a pin, a scarf, a stole, hat, button or some other piece of rainbow apparel. You can find resources by checking out our Blog at http://rainbow-presence.blogspot.com, and for more information write to Ann Fontaine and Jeffri Harre at rainbopres@yahoo.com.