Advocates oppose use of non-affirming Baptist church

RICHMOND, Va. — LGBTQ advocates have announced their opposition to plans to hold the consecration of The Rev. Canon E. Mark Stevenson at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church, located in Henrico, Virginia.

The event, set for Dec. 3, 2022 at 11 a.m., will include multiple Episcopal bishops, dignitaries, and church members. During the service, Episcopal bishops will continue the ancient tradition of the laying on of hands, key to the concept of apostolic succession. This notion reflects the idea that the ministry of the church extends in an unbroken line to the original apostles.

Stevenson was elected 14th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia on June 4 during a special convention held in Alexandria, Virginia. He was one of four, all male, cisgender candidates who completed the nominating process, including a background check.

Per church canons, the majority of bishops and diocesan standing committees must approve the election.

“It is bad enough that the only candidates put forward are straight, cisgender white men, said Episcopal Survivors Network (ESN) spokesperson Rebecca Korn. 

“Now, with marriage equality in danger, it is insensitive, flat-footed, and counter to the Episcopal Church’s stated mission of inclusion for all persons to hold the consecration in any forum unwilling to marry same-sex persons. Additionally, it sends an appalling message to the community about the role of LGBT persons in the church.

“We recognize that St. Paul’s is not expressly homophobic. But neither is it expressly affirming, and the church website expressly references marriage as being between husband and wife.

“With the National Cathedral located nearby, as well as numerous hotels, arenas, and other explicitly welcoming forums, it is incomprehensible that the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, the national church, and Stevenson himself think St. Paul’s is an acceptable venue.

“ESN calls on all LGBT persons, their friends and allies, and those who support marriage equality to demand that the diocese and Stevenson apologize immediately and select an appropriate that is expressly affirming of marriage equality,” Korn concluded.

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The Episcopal Survivors Network (ESN) is a nonprofit network of survivors of abuse and their allies. We are dedicated to:

• Speaking out on behalf of those hurt by the church.
• Advocating for healing.
• Whenever possible, fostering positive relationships.
• Seeking justice.

Contact:
Rebecca Korn
Episcopal Survivors Network
(202) 650-0942
[email protected]

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.