Who is Welcome?

As Episcopalians, we believe in the fundamental dignity and worth of every human being. We strive to be a welcoming congregation.  In that spirit, we offer this welcome statement, drafted by the people of Coventry Cathedral in England, that sums up what we think about the beautiful diversity of the human race.

We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay, confused, filthy rich, comfortable, or dirt poor. *(see note below)

We extend a special welcome to wailing babies and excited toddlers.

We welcome you whether you can sing like Pavarotti or just growl quietly to yourself.

You’re welcome here if you’re just browsing, just woken up, or just got out of prison. 

We don’t care if you’re more Christian than a bishop, or haven’t been to church since Christmas Eve ten years ago.

We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.  

We welcome exercise junkies, sports fanatics, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, and junk-food eaters. 

We welcome those who are in recovery or still addicted. 

We welcome you if you’re having problems, are down in the dumps, or don’t like ‘organized religion.’ (Some of us don’t like it either!)

We offer a welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell, or are here because your loved one is here and wanted to come to church.

We welcome those who are inked, pierced, both, or neither. 

We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down their throat as kids, or simply wound up here on a Sunday because you had nothing better to do. 

We welcome those on a spiritual journey, seekers, doubters…and you!

*Saint Peter's is fully affirming of all LGBTQ+ people. We believe that everyone is a beloved child of God, deserving of dignity and respect. Everyone is welcome and included in our church because we believe that the Kingdom of God contains a vast multitude and diversity of persons, identities, and orientations. LGBTQ+ individuals and families are welcomed into the full sacramental life and worship of the church and encouraged to participate in leadership, ministry, and service at all levels.