July/August 2005

EDNY celebrate Pride Weekend with worship,
marching and fellowship

BY NICOLE SEIFERTH

Parishes and people from around the diocese came together for worship, celebration and fellowship during New York City’s Gay Pride weekend.  Bishop Gene Robinson, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire and the first openly gay bishop in a committed relationship in the Episcopal Church, was a guest and participant at many of the weekend’s events.

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine hosted the Spirit of Pride celebration on Saturday, June 25.  Spirit of Pride was held in association with Pride in the Pulpit, an ecumenical network of congregations and religious leaders.  Over 600 people gathered at the Cathedral to hear participants speak about their experiences as gay, lesbian or transgendered members of society.  Speakers included city councilman Danny O’Donnell, Cathedral School director Marsha Nelson, playwright Terrence McNally, Donna Cartwright and Bishop Robinson.

Following Sunday morning services on June 26, where many offered special prayers or messages of welcome to their gay and lesbian members and visitors, Episcopalians from across the diocese congregated in midtown Manhattan in preparation for the city’s Gay Pride Parade.  Each parish brought colorful banners and parishioners of every age and walk of life to brave the heat.  They marched throughout the afternoon from 52 St. and 5th Ave. to Greenwich Village.

When asked why he was marching, Michael Cudney of Holy Trinity, Inwood, said, “The church is important in my life.  One reason I came to the [Episcopal] Church was because of its inclusive nature.  It’s important now to show the country that being Christian and gay is ok.”
Mary Jane Rubinstein, scholar-in-residence at the Cathedral, said having a diocesan presence in the parade is important because, “people are so shocked to see the church here.  It feels like a ministry in being here; it’s very moving.”

Bishop Robinson came from celebrating morning services at Holy Apostles, Manhattan to ride on the diocese’s parade float.  Throughout the afternoon, he talked with members of the diocese as they climbed up to say hello, and periodically jumped off the float to shake hands with crowds of
parade watchers.

He said the parade was “amazing.  So many people were saying thank you.  
People far beyond the Episcopal Church are proud of us.”

The parade route terminated a few blocks away from St. Luke-in-the-Fields Church, which held a Pride Evensong as the parade came to a close.  An exhilarated congregation filled the church. Vicar Bishop E. Don Taylor officiated at the evensong and Bishop Robinson preached.

In his sermon, Bishop Robinson offered a special welcome to his gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, saying, “We have come such a long way and there is much to celebrate.”

He also exhorted them to “come out” about being gay and Christian to the members of their community, saying, “They have been so hurt by their communities of faith it is the last place they’d look for wholeness.  You may be the only scripture they ever read.”

Following the Evensong, St. Luke’s hosted a reception on their lawn for the tired, but jubilant parade walkers and others who joined them at the service.