LGBTQ+ Ministry
Our Mission
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine actively affirms the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in all sacraments and levels of leadership. We strive to create a safe, open, and affirming environment for everyone. In doing so, we honor the teachings of Jesus.
Please be in touch with Director of Public Policy John Hennessy to share ideas or get involved.
Pride 2025
Pride events and parades were held across the state of Maine from May 31 to June 29. For three years our youth have led us in sharing God’s love for and with all people through marching in parades.
The youth planning team met several times leading up to Portland Pride’s Parade on June 21 to learn how to organize, the history of LGBTQ+ ministries in The Episcopal Church, and how advocacy for LGBTQ+ people is rooted in our faith.
Bishop Preaches at Pride Mass 2025 in New Orleans
Bishop Brown was in the Diocese of Louisiana to preach their annual Pride Eucharist at a New Orleans church, St. Anna’s.
In talking about the experience, he said, “I was struck dumb (almost) as person after person testified to the spiritual healing, the power of God, they experience every year at that liturgy. One woman, probably in her 80s, said, ‘I’ve been an ally since I was in my 30s, and thank goodness for Bishop Shannon (Shannon Duckworth is Bishop of Louisiana) because now that she’s always here [at the Pride Eucharist] the people in my little church up north are beginning to understood that this is about God. And given all the hatred getting hurled, we need this Pride Eucharist now more than ever.’ ”
“Lest I ever take for granted the affirmation we make in the Diocese of Maine, I will hold in my memory the words of that faith-filled woman-prophet from the Diocese of Louisiana: to celebrate the Eucharist and God’s wide-embracing love during Pride month is about God, ” he continued.