Inclusion at Holy Cross

Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross: A woman standing and holding a hymnal in her hands singing with two small babies in carriers. One baby is being carried on her front and the other baby is being carried on her back
Holy Cross Episcopal Church: A man and a woman are hugging, both with joyful expressions, at a social gathering or celebration with several people in the background.
Holy Cross Episcopal Church: A man with a beard and checkered shirt talking to a young girl in a wheelchair during a daytime indoor event with wooden decor and other people in the background.
Holy Cross Episcopal Church: A man in a white shirt is bending down to bow and place a hand on an elderly woman's shoulder during a religious or cultural ceremony inside a warmly lit room with wooden paneling.

At the Church of the Holy Cross, we affirm the belovedness and dignity of every human being. We believe this spirit of inclusion and affirmation is what our Holy Scriptures call us to when they teach:

  • That the image of God (Imago Dei) is placed on every human being (Genesis 1:26-27).

  • That Jesus consistently sought people outside the norms of religious practice in his day and included them in his message and community (John 4:7-15; Mark 2:15-17; Acts 8:26-40).

  • What the Fruits of the Spirit are (Galatians 5:22-23) and that we can discern them in the lives, ministries, and relationships of all kinds of people. 

  • That the very nature of the Holy Trinity and the Universal Church show that God’s intention was always diversity within a unifying identity as members of the Body of Christ (Galatians 3:27-28; 1 Cor 12:12-27).

Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross: a rock with the words "Love Wins" carved into it sits next to a path with green plants around it and dappled lighting.
Holy Cross Episcopal Church: Flag with rainbow colors and the phrase "YOU ARE LOVED" written across it.

Holy Cross is a part of the Episcopal Church, a denomination that ordains LGBTQ+ people to all orders of ministry and performs weddings for loving partners who desire covenantal marriages, regardless of the sex or gender of the couple.

If you’d like to explore more about the theology that brought us to this inclusive stance, we recommend the following resources: