In 2026, the Episcopal church will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the General Convention resolutions affirming that LGBTQ+ people have a full and equal claim to the love, acceptance, and pastoral care of the church. (Read more about the history of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Episcopal Church.) St. John’s Norwood will celebrate Pride Month this June both within our parish and out in the wider community, joining faithful Episcopalians across the country in affirming the dignity, belovedness, and full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. Throughout June, our congregation will honor Pride not only as a celebration, but also as a public witness to Christ’s love and welcome. Within our walls, Pride Month will be reflected in Sunday liturgies that affirm our LGBTQ+ siblings and by spotlighting the LGTBQ+ resources available through our church library. These opportunities invite prayer, learning, and deeper reflection on how our faith calls us to love one another. St. John’s will also bring this witness beyond the church building. On Saturday, June 20, parishioners will continue the tradition of marching in the Capital Pride Parade in Washington, D.C., joining other Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Washington’s group, with parishioner Rick Seale leading the St. John’s contingent. Then on Sunday, June 28, St. John’s will once again sponsor a table at Silver Spring’s Pride in the Plaza from noon until about 4:00 pm, coordinated by parishioners Scott McNulty & Maya Crone. As the Episcopal News Service has reported, Pride observances in Episcopal congregations are both a joyful celebration and a visible sign of support, especially at a time when many LGBTQ+ people continue to face discrimination and exclusion. The Episcopal Church’s public witness is grounded in its long-standing affirmation of LGBTQ+ people and in the Baptismal Covenant’s call to “respect the dignity of every human being” (Book of Common Prayer, pp. 304–305; see also the Episcopal News Service article on 2025 Pride Month observances). Please save the June 20 and 28 dates and look for more details in subsequent editions of our Crossroads newsletter. Click here to learn more about St. John’s Pride Alliance. | 