DECLARATION OF LOVE

How often do you hear churches proclaim that “all are welcome”? Or something closer to “come as you are”. Since I did not check the box of heterosexual, the “all are welcome” statement from other churches turned out to mean come as you are but you cannot stay that way was hidden in parenthesis. From church members to clergy, I was told that by choosing a certain lifestyle I was living outside of God’s love. For me that translated into I was not made in God’s image. Therefore, I am not capable of receiving the Creator’s Love and Grace. So many other’s stories end there, but not mine. Thanks be to God for leading me to St. Gregory’s. This church, in action and words, welcomes all. This church says if there is any change that must happen let it be through the transformational power of Jesus not because of a worldly definition of Love. In every weekly What’s Happening newsletter is the header Love God. Love Everyone. We wanted to expand that and reach those that might have been told the lie that had been handed to me as truth. We wanted to ensure that whoever was reading this statement felt that they were part of the Everyone. This is the why behind our Declaration of Love that is on our website. After reading this I hope you share it with others. I also hope that we can be inspired and convicted to live this declaration out in our own lives. ~ Gena Vallee

Declaration of Love

St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church is a community that openly welcomes all who are seeking God’s divine love and grace. All are welcome in this place regardless of your race, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, economic status, life situation, or doubts you may have about faith and church. Our unity is in Christ. Your family, children, friends, spouses, and partners are welcome. Your diversity and uniqueness enrich and expand our community.