Inclusion

Women and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion

All Are Welcome at the Table
At the Episcopal Free Fellowship of America, we believe that every person bears the image of God and is worthy of dignity, respect, and belonging within the life of the Church.

We affirm the full participation of women and LGBTQIA+ persons in the life, ministry, and leadership of the Church. We do so not as a departure from the Gospel, but as an expression of our commitment to follow Jesus, who consistently widened the circle of belonging and called the Church to embody love, justice, mercy, and humility.

Women in Leadership
We recognize and celebrate the gifts, wisdom, and calling of women in every area of ministry. Throughout Scripture and Church history, women have served as prophets, teachers, leaders, evangelists, and witnesses to the resurrection. We affirm that God continues to call women to serve as deacons, priests, bishops, pastors, teachers, and leaders within the Church.

The EFFA ordains and supports women in ministry and believes that the flourishing of the Church is strengthened when the gifts of all God’s people are welcomed and empowered.

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
We affirm LGBTQIA+ persons as beloved children of God, created in God’s image and called to participate fully in the life of the Church. We welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals and families into our congregations, ministries, sacramental life, and leadership.

We reject discrimination, exclusion, and dehumanization based on sexual orientation or gender identity. We believe the Gospel calls us to create communities where people are known, loved, and encouraged to grow in Christ.

Our Commitment
The EFFA seeks to be a province where faithfulness and inclusion are not opponents but companions. We remain rooted in Scripture, shaped by the Great Tradition, centered on Christ, and committed to the work of reconciliation.

We are sacramental in worship, catholic in spirit, orthodox in faith, and progressive in love.

At the Table of Christ, there is room for all whom Christ welcomes.