The Rainbow Group has made me feel welcome at St. Anne's from the beginning. As a young man I left the Catholic Church in part because of its teaching on LGBTQ+ individuals. When I was looking for a new church several years ago, it was very important to me that it be welcoming. When I checked out St. Anne's online, I saw that there was a Rainbow Group for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Some of the first people I connected with at St. Anne's were members of the Rainbow Group and their warm welcome helped make me feel that I belonged here.

Last year, St. Anne's supported Suzanne Weber and I to attend New York Pride. Marching down Fifth Avenue with the Episcopal Diocese of New York was a real thrill that I won't forget. 

Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ Christians are estranged from their faith because of negative experiences in other churches. I am grateful that St. Anne's and the Rainbow Group are committed to affirming LGBTQ+ Christians so that we can be both fully ourselves and fully part of a Christian community. 

Stan Ward, The Episcopal Rainbow Group