Office of the Chaplain

Affirmation of Welcome

As a community of the people of God, we are called to minister to all people of our world, knowing that the world is often an unloving place. Our world is a place of alienation and brokenness. Christ calls us to reconciliation and wholeness. The Gospel challenges us to be agents of healing within our society.

We affirm with the apostle Paul that in Christ "there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female" (Galatians 3:28). Christ has made us one. We acknowledge this reconciliation extends also to those whose affectational orientation is toward a person of the same gender.

Because gay and lesbian persons are often scorned by society and alienated from the Church, we wish to make known our caring and concern. It is for this purpose that we affirm the following:

• That gay and lesbian people share with all others the worth that comes from being unique individuals created by God;
• That gay and lesbian people are welcome in this community of faith;
• That as members of the worshipping community people of all affectational orientations are expected and encouraged to share in its sacramental and general life.

Adopted Unanimously by SU Chapel Council
February 28, 2002