Explanation

We acknowledge that the vows of our Baptismal Covenant to respect the dignity of every human being and to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves, are foundational in our relationships as members of the Body of Christ. And we also acknowledge that the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church prohibit discrimination based on, among other things, sexual orientation and gender, gender identity/expression.

Recent legislation passed by various state legislatures violates the religious liberty of Episcopalians by discriminating against individuals based on their sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression. We are entitled to practice our religious beliefs according to the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with our own Constitution and Canons. Legislation restricting the rights of parents regarding their transgender children violates those beliefs. Similarly, practicing discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity/expression also violates those beliefs.