m i s s i o n

The name "Beyond Inclusion" comes from the idea the word "inclusion" implies there is one group on the inside and one group on the outside. But, since we are all children of God, how can one group decide to include those who are already part of the group? There is no "us" and "them." We are Beyond Inclusion.

Beyond Inclusion, an organization of gay and straight people together, wants to convince the mainstream parishioner, and help the mainstream parish, move toward blessing same-sex relationships. Beyond Inclusion testifies that same-sex relationships are holy and beautiful in the sight of God, are theologically and liturgically justifiable, are compatible with Scripture, and should be blessed and recognized by the church. Additionally, the ordination of lesbians and gays represents an asset to the church community. Beyond Inclusion also recognizes all justice issues are inter-related; homophobia, racism, sexism, and xenophobia all come from the same source. Where you find one, you are likely to find the others.

Beyond Inclusion is dedicated to pushing the Episcopal Church forward on the issue of same-sex blessings, specifically aiming at passage of legislation at the Church's General Convention in 2003. Beyond Inclusion also sets a goal of high visibility and usage of Beyond Inclusion educational materials in parishes nationwide as a conduit to justice for all within the church and the wider world.

h i s t o r y

In 1995, when Bishop Walter Righter was charged with heresy for ordaining an openly gay man in a committed relationship, All Saints Church in Pasadena acted quickly. The rector, Ed Bacon, organized the Inclusion Task Force to make the theological case to the Church for the full inclusion of gays and lesbians. Money was raised for Righter's Defense Fund, and after the charges were dismissed, Bishop Righter said, "Without All Saints' support, I don't think I would have made it."

Ed Bacon and the Inclusion Task force organized the Beyond Inclusion Conference, a national gathering of theologians and liturgists, including a keynote address by Andrew Sullivan, who carefully made the case of the 300 participants for pushing the Church forward on the issue of same-sex blessings. The impact of this conference was seen by the reaction of the conservative organization Episcopalians United, who systematically smeared the conference and articulated to their membership that our arguments and organization were the threat to convincing the mainstream parishioner that same-sex blessings are theologically and liturgically justifiable.

That's what we want to do: convince the mainstream parishioner, and help the mainstream parish move toward performing blessings of same-sex relationships.

At the Church's national convention in Philadelphia in 1997, our presence was felt through our exhibit booth. Parish after parish, priest after priest, bishop after bishop came and heard the testimony of men and women, straight and gay, single and married, who confirmed that the church, through welcoming gays and lesbians through these commitments, will grow in mission and service. We need to continue this work of helping people in the Church make up their minds before General Convention 2000.

Beyond Inclusion is an organization which has come powerfully to life in the last two years and wants to move boldly forward.

updated 17 March 2003, webmaster