At the heart of the modern Episcopal Church’s mission in the world is the Baptismal Covenant, a series of questions and promises that guide our way of life. The last promises are:
Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
I will, with God’s help.
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
I will, with God’s help.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
Respect the dignity of every human being.
And we mean it. We try our hardest every day to do just that. It isn’t easy. We often stumble. But we mean it. And we work for a world in which the dignity of every human being is respected, advocating for an inclusive, equitable community.
From the Canons (church rules) of the Episcopal Church:
“No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship, governance, or employment of this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital or family status (including pregnancy or child care plans), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age”