The OASIS (Newark) Honors Louie Crew, Presents Awards

The OASIS, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark, honored Integrity's founder, Dr. Louie Crew for a lifetime of justice ministry and presented its first annual scholarship and grant awards at a reception on Friday, June 3rd.  IntegrityUSA Vice President for National Affairs, The Rev. Jon Richardson, Province II Coordinator Chap James Day and Newark Diocesan Organizer Christian Paolino were among the attendees.

The Right Rev.  Mark Beckwith, Bishop of Newark, and OASIS Commission Chair John Simonelli presented Dr. Crew with a hand-illumined certificate of appreciation and announced the first recipients of the scholarship and grant created in his honor.

Dr. Crew founded Integrity, the national organization for LGBT Episcopalians, in 1974. A retired professor of English (most recently at Rutgers University) he served on the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church from 2000-2006 and represented the Diocese of Newark as a member of the House of Deputies  from 1993-2011, among many other acts of service to the church.  He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alabama, Doctorates of Divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School and General Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Human Letters from the Divinity School of the Pacific. Dr. Crew is extensively published, on matters of English composition, social justice, faith, and poetry.  Dr. Crew is a three-time recipient of the National Endowment for Humanities, was honored by the Ragdale Foundation and the Wurlitzer Foundation, and received the Bishop’s Cross from the Diocese of Newark.

The first Louie Crew scholarship was presented to Darnell L. Moore, a writer and activist who is currently the Associate Director of the Newark Schools Research Collaborative (NSRC) and an Affiliate of the Institute on Education Law and Policy (IELP) both at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Newark. He holds a BA in Social & Behavioral Sciences (Seton Hall University), MA in Counseling (Eastern University) and MA in Theological Studies (Princeton Theological Seminary). 

Moore also serves as the Chair of Mayor Cory Booker of Newark’s Advisory Commission on LGBTQ Concerns and Education, Chair of the Newark Pride Alliance, and has served appointments as a Visiting Fellow at Yale Divinity School and Lecturer in the Women & Gender Studies Department at Rutgers-New Brunswick, as well as Visiting Scholar at the Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality at New York University.  Moore plans to use the scholarship money to participate in two writing retreats to further his first book, tentatively titled To be Black, Queer and Christian: Essays on the Black church and Sexuality.

The first OASIS Grant was awarded to the Montclair Protestant Chaplaincy, an ecumenical collaborative, to support the work of the Rev. Deacon Diana Wilcox as chaplain at Montclair State University.  A recent graduate of Drew Theological School in Madison, Wilcox provides a progressive Christian presence at the university with weekly prayer services, spiritual counseling and other programming.  Wilcox studied at Montclair State University and Fairleigh Dickinson University before pursuing her Master of Divinity at Drew. Her campus group, the Web of Life Christian Community, became a Believe Out Loud Congregation in 2011, and took part in the response to bias incidents on campus this fall and winter.

The OASIS, founded in 1989, is a justice ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. Once providing “safe space” worship and spiritual counseling, the organization has evolved into an educational and advocacy role.  The Louie Crew Scholarship and Oasis Grant, which were first announced at the 2012 Diocesan Convention, will be awarded annually at the Oasis anniversary in June to individuals and groups working “at the intersection of sexuality and faith.”

Believe Out Loud Workshop - Province I & II, Danbury CT, 23-24 Jul

About Believe Out Loud:

Many unchurched lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] people in your community are spiritually searching. They are looking for a faith community where they will be welcomed and affirmed as beloved children of God. You can encourage them to visit and join your parish by becoming a Believe Out Loud Episcopal Congregation.

A Believe Out Loud Episcopal Congregation is a mission or parish of our denomination that publicly welcomes and affirms LGBT people and that has completed a simple, three-phase process. If your parish qualifies, I invite you to register as a Believe Out Loud Episcopal Congregation

Believe Out Loud is a "franchise" being utilized by Integrity USA and endorsed by OASIS, TransEpiscopal, and various diocesan level LGBT committees and ministries to designate Episcopal Parishes that are welcoming, inclusive, and celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people - people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Believe Out Loud is being utilized by multiple denominations as a standard for identifying and gauging inclusive churches. PCUSA, ELCA, UMC, UCC, Disciples of Christ, and some American Baptists have already begun utilizing this process, though they may call it by different names.

The Workshop:

Start Time: Friday, July 23, 2010 at 12:00pm

End Time: Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 5:00pm

Location: St. James Episcopal Church

Street: 25 West St

City/Town: Danbury, CT

Who Should Attend?

Any Episcopalian who wants to learn how he or she can help make their parish and diocese become more welcoming and affirming of LGBT folk. Current and prospective chapter leaders and diocesan organizers are especially encouraged to register. Although this event is primarily for those who live in Province 1 and 2, participants from other states are welcome.

Trainers

The workshop will be facilitated by:

Neil Houghton, Vice President for Local Affairs

John-Albert Moseley, Province 1 Coordinator

Chap James Day, Province 2 Coordinator

Lodging:

You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations. A courtesy block of 16 rooms has been reserved for July 23rd at the following hotel. The rate is $109 single or double. Mention "Integrity" when making your reservation. Reservations must be made by June 25th to receive the quoted rate.

The Ethan Allen Hotel

21 Lake Avenue Extension

Danbury, Connecticut 06811-9956800-742-1776 toll free

203-744-1776 local

A few local Integrity members may be willing to host guests in their homes at no cost. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please indicate this when you register.

Cost:

There is no registration fee for this workshop. However, you are responsible for your own travel, lodging, and meal expenses unless otherwise stated.

Scholarships:

A limited number of $150 scholarships are available to help defray participant's travel and lodging costs. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please indicate this when you register.

Meals Included:

The following meals will be provided:

Buffet Dinner on Friday, July 23rd

Continental Breakfast on Saturday, July 24th

Boxed Luncheon on Saturday, July 24th

If you have special dietary needs or preference, please indicate this when you register.

Accessibility:

The meeting venue is wheelchair accessible. If you require other accommodation [such as an ASL interpreter, please indicate this when you register.

Air Travel & Ground Transportation:

The Westchester County Airport [HPN] is the closest to Danbury. Several budget airlines serve this location.

Danbury is approximately 45 minutes by car from the airport.

Danbury is accessible from Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Take Metro-North's New Haven Line (red) to Stamford, CT and transfer to the Danbury connector. The trip is estimated at a little over 2 hours. The Danbury Station is walking distance to St. James Church.

For fares and schedule, consult the MTA website.

Registration

Click here - > Registration

Questions:

If you any questions, please contact...

John-Albert Moseley, Province 1 Coordinator

860-604-0730

john-albert.moseley@yale.edu

Chap James Day, Province 2 Coordinator

(347) 840-1700

chap@integrityusa.org

Upcoming Pride Celebrations

A Message from Paul Lane

The Committee on LGBT Concerns of the Diocese of New York, along with Integrity NYC Metro and Oasis Newark invite everyone to join us in the 2010 LGBT Pride March on Sunday, June 27th 2010. This year we have a float with music. The float is very basic. Our people will add the color, so dress accordingly and don’t forget the sunscreen. Please bring your parish banner or a sign identifying your parish.

Our meeting place is on East 38th Street, between Madison and Park Avenues. Everyone should be there and ready to go at 12:30 p.m. The March NYC Pride will do their best to get us moving shortly thereafter. Due to security regulations, you may not join the March en route.

If you will be unable to attend your local Sunday service you are warmly invited to join with Integrity NYC Metro and Oasis Newark in worship at the Church of the Transfiguration, One East 29th Street for their 11:00 a.m. Eucharist. Meet Chap Day in front of the church after the service and walk the 9 short blocks to the March staging area together. (about 10 minute walk). Bishop Andrew St. John and the folks at Transfiguration are excited to have us for this service!

We will be looking for folks to help carry an Episcopal banner, the OASIS banner, and the Integrity banner in shifts, and want all of our parishes to be represented.

After the March, please join with your fellow marchers at a Festive Choral Evensong at the Church of St. Luke in the Fields, Hudson Street south of Christopher, at 6:30 p.m. The Rt. Rev. Herbert A. Donovan will preside. Rev. Altagracia Perez will preach. Refreshments will follow on the grounds.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Paul Lane at pride@lgbt.dioceseny.org.

Paul J. Lane

Pride March Coordinator, Episcopal Diocese of New York Committee on LGBT Concerns
New York Diocesan Organizer, Integrity USA
Board Member, Integrity NYC-Metro

SUMMARY DETAILS:

Integrity Eucharist at Transfiguration
Where: 29th St between 5th Ave and Madison Ave
When: 11am - 27 Jun 2010

Episcopal Contingency at Heritage of Pride (Mustering Spot)
Where: 38th St between Madison Ave and Park Ave
When: 12:30pm - 27 Jun 2010

Annual Gay Pride Evensong at St Luke in the Fields
Where: Hudson St at Grove St (South of Christopher St)
When: 6:30pm - 27 Jun 2010 (get there at 6 for a good seat)

A Visit by Bishop Christopher Senyonjo

The story below was provided by Paul J. Lane, Diocesan Organizer for Integrity in the Diocese of New York. The photo shows Paul on the left, Bishop Christopher in the center, and Chap James Day [Integrity's Province 2 Coordinator] on the right.

The aroma of the incense hung heavily in the hot, humid air as the Ugandan prelate mounted the steps of the pulpit in the old village church, St. Luke in the Fields, in New York’s Greenwich Village last Sunday [June 6, 2010].

The Right Reverend Christopher Senyonjo, the retired Bishop of the Diocese of West Buganda, Uganda, took as his subject the second reading of the day: Galatians 1:11-24; Paul discussing his conversion from his former life as a persecutor of Christians. The congregation listened in rapt attention as the bishop spoke of his own "conversion" and how, by listening to the stories of LGBT people, he came to believe that LGBT Christians are full members of the body of Christ. He told of how he also has been persecuted and how, if a new bill proposed in the Ugandan Parliament becomes law, he himself may be jailed for his inclusive stance. He also spoke of how, in Uganda, openly LGBT persons are not able to receive any treatment for HIV/AIDS.

The Rev. Mary Foulke, Senior Associate for Pastoral Care and Outreach at St. Luke’s "was delighted to welcome Bp. Christopher to St. Luke’s and to make this connection with those around the world who embrace a critical Biblical theology in support of liberative practices of welcoming and standing up with those on the margins. Bp. Christopher is a wonderful example of many grassroots priests, bishops and lay leaders in the Southern Hemisphere that are doing great work and who don’t get the press or attention that others with more conservative American support seem to attract."

Paul J. Lane, the Chair of the parish’s LGBT Life @ St. Luke’s Committee and Diocesan Organizer for Integrity for the Diocese of New York says that "as a parish, this is only the beginning of our relationship with Bp. Christopher and Integrity Uganda. Our goal is to be able to raise $1000.00 for Bp. Christopher’s ministry and we began that journey today. The stories of our LGBT brothers and sisters around the world must be brought to the attention of those of us who live in more accepting societies." St. Luke’s history as been one of full inclusion as well as support of such organizations such as Integrity USA and Changing Attitude Nigeria, having in the past hosted Mr. Davis Mac-Iyalla, the exiled leader of CA Nigeria.

After the service, Bp. Christopher was an honored guest at the annual parish picnic, where he was able to speak directly to many parish members, including a group of seminarians from his own alma mater, Union Theological Seminary.

Integrity USA, a 35-year-old LGBT advocacy group within The Episcopal Church, is the sponsor of Bishop Christopher visit.

Pride and Shame in the Anglican Communion

A personal reflection from Integrity Province II Coordinator Chap James Day:

I remember when Bishop Robinson received the consent to be bishop at General Convention. I was studying abroad with about two dozen or so students from my college at Corpus Christi College in Oxford. I had followed the newsfeeds through the whole debate at convention, sharing the news with the others, most of whom were Presbyterian (PCUSA) and though sympathetic to my hopes, did not have a dog in the fight. Still they joined me for a pint at one of the pubs to toast what would be one of the first pivotal moments for GLBT Christians in the 21st century. After the pint, we went to evensong at Christ Church Cathedral, and later spoke with some of the clergy who told us how proud they were for the Anglican Church, especially in light of what had happened with Jeffery John just months before. It was a day to be proud to be an Episcopalian and an Anglican, and a newbie openly gay person.

I had heard that this would cause the Church to split—that the Communion would crumble, and I watched for the signs of it. I read of the grumblings of more traditional Anglicans—many of which joined voices with other splinter groups that had left well before Robinson was called to be bishop. I also heard the positive voices and Alleluias from the progressive Anglicans who were taking ownership of this time for the achievement that it was in reclaiming our place at the Table.

As the consecration played out, and the Lambeth Commission was called to review what had happened in the Church, we saw people coming in who had felt disenfranchised and unwanted. We also saw many so obsessed with this one issue leave, and the start of many more battles over property and the very soul of the Church. I was blessed to meet the members of the Lambeth Commission while working at Kanuga. I overheard their conversations as I served them food and drink while they stayed there, and I observed their devotion as they prayed at the Chapel of the Transfiguration each day. I also remember the results of their recommendation in the form of the Windsor Report.

I read the report, and many commentaries trying to explain what it meant, and what the implications of the report were for the GLBT members in the Anglican Communion as well as those traditionalists that felt disenfranchised. I felt shame. The GLBT clergy had begun to “come out” and the greater Communion family just did not want to hear it—they did not want to accept that there was a Gay Son among the Bishops, and they sure as hell did not want any more.

Just like a family, some shunned our new bishop, some accepted, some disowned, and some celebrated. More importantly, some tried to reconcile and to educate on why the family needs to accept. There were family members like those involved in Integrity and CFLAG that knew that our Communion-wide need to accept it’s GLBT sons and daughters was important beyond pious notions of what is a sin or not a sin. It was about restoring life to the outcast and unwanted—saving lives and restoring lives—healing the broken hearted—and strengthening the strained “bonds of affection”.

In Columbus we saw the election of the first female Primate in the Anglican Communion—proof of how the need and push for acceptance and equality shows progress in momentous achievements like that. We also saw one of the more ghastly calls for restraint that made no one happy with regards to the still outcast GLBT members of the Church. It is hard to celebrate the achievements of an oppressed sexual minority with the shadow of continued oppression of another minority.

It was at that point that I joined Integrity. I wanted to join the fight that celebrated the achievements of women in the Church and said “And ALSO now GLBT!” The first hurdle was to deal with the restraints that were asked and later confirmed in New Orleans. One of the most disturbing images of these restraints was our new Presiding Bishop’s image of a Lenten fast on continued consecrations. I had had always heard of the fast as giving up something that was bad for you and taking on something good for the world. That sure did not seem like the case with regards to GLBT Episcopalians.

In Anaheim, we moved forward, pushed by Integrity and the many, many allies that also saw this restraint as antithetical to what it means to be a Christian family—another day to be proud to be an Episcopalian. The legislation that was passed was eyed by the patriarch of the family suspiciously… some of our more distant cousins wished to disown us even further claiming that we had gone our own way to ruin. We had whole dioceses vote to disassociate themselves with the Church, often supported by our cousin provinces.

This week we saw yet another momentous day for GLBT Episcopalians—one that will surely continue to rock the boat—in the consent to the election of Mary Glasspool . Again, it happens legally under the cannons of the Episcopal Church that were strengthened by the legislation in Anaheim last year. Again, it has caused the head patriarch of the family to eye us with suspicion. And Again I am proud—but this time I have a huge amount of Shame.

The shame has nothing to do with the great news of LA, but with the disturbing response of Archbishop Rowan Williams. I do not presume to understand what it is like to be a titular head of a denomination so vastly spread across the world, socio-economic strata, and political and theological spectrums. What I do not hear is the same response at words of hatred against us his GLBT members, or the continued efforts of foreign provinces to usurp property in the Episcopal Church. Most deeply ashamed am I of his restrained responses towards the near holocaust-level hatred that is fueling the “Kill Gays Bill” in Uganda.

One of the signs of the Spirit moving in the Church is that this consent comes on the heels of statements of inclusion and support from a Patriarch so wise that non-believes will turn to listen to him, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He is like that wise old family member that knows that the love of the God and the true bonds of affection that bind a family together are stronger than sexuality or morality. He understands that it is crucial to our faith to accept GLBT Christians into the fold and to celebrate with Easter joy when one like Mary Glasspool is called to be a Bishop among us. He warns us of the demoralizing and demonic destruction that awaits those who shun the outcast, hate those who differ, and seek legislation to exterminate that which we do not want to understand.

I only wish Archbishop Williams would listen to Archbishop Tutu and realize that we too are God’s loved children, that we too are called by the Spirit to serve and lead the Church, and that we deserve to solemnize our love in the Church’s sacraments. Williams, it seems, does not see this, Uganda does not want to see this…and that should make us all ashamed and outraged.

Tutu sees this—Los Angeles sees this—and those that consented to Mary Glasspool’s election see this, and that should make us all proud and filled with an Easter joy.

Memorial Service and New Homeless Shelter

[New York City - Manhattan] Integrity joined with The Latino Commission on AIDS, Committee on Solidarity of Jorge Steven Lopez, The LGBT Community Center of New York, The Office of New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Dignity NY, PFLAG NY and the Episcopal Church of St. Luke in the Fields for a Vigil, Memorial Service, and Community Mobilization in Memory of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado. Jorge Lopez was a gay/trans teen who was brutally murdered in Puerto Rico last week.

Memorial services were held across the continental US as well as Puerto Rico on Sunday.  In New York City, The Episcopal Church of St. Luke in the Fields and Integrity were both invited by the wider community to take leadership roles in the organizing and running of the events.

Speaker Christine Quinn and Councilmember-Elect Daniel Dromm (both of the LGBT community) spoke against the hatred against our community, which is often harder on the LGBT community of color.  They called for more education and community involvement.  The Rally traveled by candelight to the doors of St. Luke in the Fields where participants were greeted by Integrity members and The Rev. Mary Foulke of St. Luke in the Fields.  There was standing room only as the service began.

Daniel Leyva, the primary organizer of the event spoke about how important it is that the religious community that is supportive of the LGBT community to speak out about these injustices.  Earlier this year, Senator Ruben Diaz, also a Pentecostal minister, led a rally where he brought several thousand Pentecostal ministers and leaders to New York to speak out against the LGBT community and especially in response to Marriage Equality. Mr. Leyva reiterated that not all the religious are like Senator Diaz's group, and he praised the Episcopal Church and Integrity.

[New York City - Astoria Queens] Episcopal Community Services of Long Island partnered with The Ali Forney Center to  meet basic emergency needs, increase coping and decision making capacities, and assist in planning for the re-integration into community living, of homeless and  runaway youth who identify as LGBT in the New York City area to open the St. Andrew's Center in Astoria, NY on Monday 23 Nov.

Bishop Larry Provenzano and his wife were in attendance at this opening as were Speaker Christine Quinn and Councilmember-Elect Daniel Dromm (both members of the LGBT community).  The Rev. Charles McCarron and lay leader Michael Meaney (donations coordinator for the project) were instrumental in this partnership with the Ali Forney Center. "I believe that the Ali Forney Center at St. Andrew's is a wonderful example of how different groups can work together toward the same goal.  The young people we serve are perhaps the most marginalized of the homeless, yet they are young enough to change their lives with some compassionate and non-judgmental help.  As Gay New Yorkers we should all be proud of the work that the Ali Forney Center has been doing for years and I am pleased that the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island has joined in this important work.  It would be fantastic if more people could help the Ali Forney Center to grow and accomplish even more on behalf of our GLBT youth.  One of the quotes I put up on a wall in the center is something I think works for the youth and for the volunteers as well, 'The purpose of life is a life of purpose'." said Michael Meany, who organized donations and volunteers to get the project done.

"It really meant a lot to this community to see the Church, or Episcopal Church, stand with the most vulnerable of our community and dedicate time and talent, and almost 500k in funds.  I am so proud of the Diocese of Long Island and grateful to Michael Meaney, Father McCarron and Bishop Provenzano for all their work," said Chap Day, Province II Coordinator for Integrity USA who was in attendance. "Bishop Provenzano and the Diocese of Long Island are a beacons of hope to the LGBT community here in Queens, and an example of community cooperation that I hope other dioceses will mimic."

There is an ongoing homeless youth crisis in New York City and nation-wide. In New York City, that number is believed to be between 12,000 and 15,000. Approximately 3,000 to 8,000 homeless youth in New York City are LGBTQ. This calculation is based on research that demonstrates that 20 to 40 percent of all homeless youth identify LGBTQ.

The Ali Forney Center is named for Ali Forney. Ali Forney was a homeless queer teen who was forced to live on the streets of New York during the 1990s. Ali was dedicated to the safety of other homeless queer youth; he was a committed HIV prevention worker, and aggressively advocated that the NYPD investigate a series of murders of the homeless queer youth he had befriended. Ali was an inspiration to those who knew him.  In December of 1997, Ali was murdered on the streets. His tragic death called attention to the atrocious conditions for homeless LGBT youth in New York. Ali's murderer has never been identified.

The dedication ended with a community reading of a prayer Ali Forney wrote:

I believe that one day, the Lord will come back to get me. Hallelujah.  If I live right, Hallelujah, I will go on to that righteous place. I believe that one day, Hallelujah, all my trails, all my tribulations, they will be over.  I won't have to worry about crying and suffering no more.  I won't have to worry about being disappointed, because my God, Hallelujah, is coming back for me.  Whether I am a man with a dress and a wig, My God will love me for who I am!  I might not walk like I'm supposed to walk.  I might not have sex with who I'm supposed to have sex with.  My God will love me for what I am! So don't worry about me, worry about yourself. Because as long as God believes in me, I'm not worried about what folks say, Hallelujah.

You Can Help With This Project: An Invitation From Michael Meaney:

At the coming season of Our Lord's birth there are special ways to help.  There is no holiday line in the budget so we depend on generous donations. As we shop for ourselves and gifts, it would be fantastic to remember the sacrifice Our Lord made for us and try to make some sacrifices for others.  Christmas is a particularly difficult time for our teens at the center, perhaps the most marginalized of all the homeless.  In a season often associated with family it is easy to see why young people would have feelings stirred up.  We are asking for gift cards in only ten and twenty dollar denominations to McDonald's, Target and CVS only.  We want to limit ourselves to these three places so teen jealousy does not appear.  These gift cards will give our teens some buying power that they do not usually experience.  Please send out an email to your family and friends asking for help as well.

Gift cards can be sent to Michael Meaney c/o Zion Episcopal Church 243-01 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11363.  Contact me for other donation destinations.  It would be best if donations could be received early, before December 15th, so we know what we have to work with.  The Ali Forney Center at St. Andrew's will have 16 residents for the holidays and Ali Forney has some 65 residents in their living shelter system to treat this holiday season. coordinating this all can be a difficult task for the Ali Forney team, so we ask that gifts are limited to the pre mentioned items.

iNYC Celebrates Strides at General Convention

IntegrityNYC hosted a Solemn Eucharist at St. Luke in the Fields Church in Manhattan's historic Greenwich Village. About 60 people from across New York City and New Jersey gathered in thanksgiving for the strides made this summer by the Episcopal Church's General Convention on LGBTQ issues.

The Rt. Rev. Catherine Roskam, Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of New York, presided; David Casey (Grace), Convener of IntegrityNYC, preached; The Rev Hugh Grant, Curate, and The Rev Caroline Stacey, Rector (St. Luke's) assisted; The Rev. Dn. Kent Curtis (All Saints), served as Deacon; The Altar Guild and Acolyte Guild of St. Luke's offered their time and talents in the service; Shauna Leeks (St. Barts) and Michael Cudney (Holy Apostles and iNYC Steering Committee) read the lessons. Ms. Leeks, Wayne Seifried (Ascension), Chap Day (St. Luke's, iNYC Steering Committee, and Province II Coordinator Elect), and Michael Mallon (St. Luke's and iNYC Steering Committee) served as Ushers; and John Bradley (St. Lukes and Polyhymia) and David Shuler (St. Luke's) provided music.

"America is not the same place it was 50 years ago...or even 10 years ago; and neither is the Episcopal Church" proclaimed David Casey. "When we get All the Sacraments for All the Baptized, we will still not be done! We will still have to deal with homophobia and hetero-sexism in the same way that Women in the Church are still facing Sexism and People of Color in the Church are still facing racism." pulling from the Gospel of Mark, David pointed to the marginalized youth, especially those outside of the Church who will still need our help, support and love.

A collection was taken in honor of "The Church". The Church is a ministry offered by St. Luke's to the LGBTQA Youth in Greenwich Village. Greenwich Village is a destination for thousands of LGBTQA young people who come from all over the city and beyond looking for a safe place to express themselves without fear of homophobic violence or moral condemnation. In 2001, St. Luke’s began opening their doors to these young people on Saturday nights by offering a hot meal, workshops in the visual and performing arts, and the services of social workers and caring adult volunteers. Today the program serves 20-30 young people each week and more than 600 youth ages 14-21 are currently enrolled. The Reverend Mary Foulke, who oversees the program, estimates that at least 1/3 of the attendees are homeless.

An intimate reception followed in St. Luke's Laughlin Hall. Pictures were taken by Jon Nally.

The Rev. Hugh Grant and David Casey greet attendees.

The iNYC Steering Committee and Bishop Roskam
L-R: Chap Day, David Casey, The Rt. Rev. Catherine Roskam, Michael Cudney, Marlin Mattson, and Michael Mallon (not pictured Rachel Furer, Dale McNeil)

Gay Pride Parade 2009

OASIS Newark joined forces and co-marched with Integrity NYC in the NYC Gay Pride 2009.

This is the 2nd year that we've marched since iNYC was resurrected. The Diocesan LGBT Concerns committee helped organize the other Episcopal groups so that we all registered to march together in the parade. Not only did the Diocese of New York have a sizable contingency but so also did Holy Apostles, Saint Luke in the Fields, Saint Bartholomew's, Saint Michael's, Holy Trinity, and Christ Church Belleville NJ, as well as members from churches in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.

Ascension offered a water ministry to the parade marchers as they passed by their church on the route. Saint Luke in the Fields hosted its annual Gay Pride Evensong, which many of the iNYC and OASIS marchers attended. This was a great showing of love from the Episcopal Church in New York and New Jersey. Neil Houghton, the Northeastern Regional Vice-President was also in attendance, as well as Bishop V. Gene Robinson who joined the whole contingency after preaching at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian.

Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and to Chap Day for being the iNYC Group Marshal.

Here are some photos of iNYC: Integrity NYC and OASIS Newark marching in New York City's annual Gay Pride Parade.

More photos can be found on Neil Houghton's blog "Many Things to Say"

Gay Pride Eucharist

Here are some images from the Eucharist at Gay Pride 28 Jun 2009.

Click on the images to enlarge them.

David Casey, iNYC Convener offers the Prayers of the People
Chap Day, acolyte and Stephen McFadden from the Diocesan LGBT Concerns Committee

The Rev. John Denaro, Celebrant

There were about 3 dozen people in attendance at the Street Eucharist. Thank you to all who stepped up to assist with reading the lessons, and a special thanks to St. Luke in the Fields, for providing everything necessary for the Eucharist including bulletins, and especially to Paul Lane for organizing it.

Voices of Witness Africa Screening

Holy Apostles hosted a screening of Voices of Witness, a documentary that shared to voices of LGBT Christians in Africa. Integrity NYC was proud to be part of this event. You can read more about the Voices of Witness Africa project as well as watch the Trailer, by clicking HERE. To donate to this cause, you can use the Integrity USA website HERE, and select Voices of Witness in the Special Projects section. Chap Day attended on behalf of iNYC and Neil Houghton attended on behalf of Integrity USA.

Rally for Marriage Equality Event

The Rally for Marriage Equality in Astoria was amazing. The NYC Parks estimated the attendance at 2500 people! Several Episcopalians were guest speakers including Father Louis Braxton, Jr (Carmen's Place), Lauren Marcewicz & Caroline Peacock (St. Luke in the Fields), and Chap Day & Michael Mallon (St. Luke in the Fields, iNYC, and OUT Astoria). There were also many politicians and community organizers. iNYC is a constitutent member of Western Queens for Marriage Equality (WQfME), and was a co-sponsor of this Rally. The NYS Senate is scheduled to vote on Marriage Equality this session, but the Senator from Astoria (George Onorato) says he will not vote in favor of Marriage Equality, despite his district having a large number of LGBT citizens and overwhelming support for Marriage Equality.

Here are some pictures.

2500 people in support of marriage equality

Lauren Marcewicz and Caroline Peacock (St. Luke in the Fields), and their daughter are residents of Astoria asking for marriage equality of their senator, George Onorato.

That's a lot of people

Father Louis Braxton, Jr (Carmen's Place) has been an outspoken LGBT cleric from the Episcopal Church in the Astoria area. Carmen's Place is an LGBT youth homeless shelter in Astoria. Last year several of the youth were attacked on the street, and Father Braxton stepped in to help them and was hit with a garbage can by the perpatrators.

Michael Mallon and Chap Day, both members of the iNYC Steering Committee live in Astoria and are members of OUT Astoria, an LGBT social network.

iNYC Gay Pride Contingency Request

Details:

Sunday, Jun 28, 2009 (11:30 PM)
At 54th St between 5th Ave and Madison Ave (Closer to Madison Ave)


Integrity NYC is registered to march in NYC Gay Pride 2009. Newark's OASIS will be joining the contingency and marching with iNYC!

If your parish is not registered, you are welcome to join us! You can march with us even if you are from an outer borough or NJ, as iNYC is not bound by Diocesan lines.

If you have questions, you can contact the iNYC parade organizer (group marshal), Chap Day (chap@outastoria.com).

LINEUP: 11:30. We will probably kick off around 12:30 or 1 o'clock if they keep to the schedule.

St. Luke in the Fields is organizing a Eucharist at the meeting place for all who wish to participate. They will also have a vehicle for those with trouble walking.

I SUGGEST you bring Sunscreen. We will have a Bathroom pass that can be used to step out of the parade and get back in.

If you do not know who I am go to my Facebook page. I will be wearing a RUBY RED Marshal shirt.

RSVP HERE

Tea With Susan Russell Photos

There was an amazing crowd at Jacob's apartment. Afterward, several people joined the Steering Committee for an impromptu dinner with Susan Russell. Here are a couple photos for your enjoyment. We were also joined by Neil Houghton, VP for Northeast Region from Integrity USA.

It is hard to tag the people below, but Chap Day, Elizabeth Jacobs, Winnie Varghese +, Jacob Miles, Michael Mallon, Neil Houghton, David Casey, Susan Russell +, and Mark Hummell + are among those below.

Present Day Experiences of Gay Christians in Kenya and Nigeria - Follow Up

This event was very informative, and well attended by a large mix of people. David Casey, Chap Day, and Michael Mallon were among the iNYC attendees. Davis MacIyalla spoke earlier that day at St. Luke in the Fields.

Here is an official statement from Davis' experience in New York as told to Steve Parelli by Mac-Iyalla, February 27, 2008, Bronx, NY

How I came to be invited to speak at The Riverside Church
When I told Steve I was coming through NYC on my way to a speaking engagement I had in California, and that I would like to stay with him a couple days, he arranged with Maranatha, the LGBT group at The Riverside Church, a forum on The Present-day experiences of Gay Christians in Kenya and Nigeria. I have known Other Sheep since 2006 when I first met Steve in Geneva, Switzerland. Subsequently, I spent a brief time with Steve in 2007 when I came to the United States for a tour. When Other Sheep and Maranatha invited me to speak as a panelist at a forum to be held at The Riverside Church, I was honored, and did not hesitate to accept their
invitation.

The panel participants and what we talked about
The event was a success. Emmanuel Kamau of Kenya and Jose Ortiz of the States, who spent last July and August in Kenya, joined me as panelists. Together, we shared with our American counterpart what it is like to be gay and Christian in a hostile environment.

My gratitude to Other Sheep and Maranatha; special thanks to Steve and Jose for their hospitality
I am grateful to Other Sheep and Maranatha for the opportunity to speak. I am also grateful for the offering they took on my behalf. Too, I want to express my gratitude for the hospitality Steve and Jose showed my while I was here by keeping me in their home, providing for my daily needs, and for seeing me to and from the airport.

My second visit to St. Luke's in the Field
In addition to The Riverside Church meeting, I was able to worship and speak in St. Luke's in the Field in the Village, Manhattan. I spoke here in 2007 and so I was returning to be with friends I had made there on my previous visit. It was wonderful to be with them again. They are so loving
and welcoming. I will always want to return and visit again St. Luke's in the Field.

Davis accompanied iNYC's Chap, Michael, and Tim Martin to dinner following the event.

A full account of the Event can be found on the Other Sheep & Maranatha Riverside website.