Persecution against LGBTQ+ people continues unabated throughout the world, causing multitudes to flee their homelands in search of safety. The Episcopal Church is responding, and inviting congregations and other partners to join this effort through Episcopal Migration Ministries’ (EMM’s) Rainbow Initiative.
Dozens of countries make same-sex intimacy, gender nonconformity, or transgender identity illegal, with punishment up to the death penalty in twelve. While much of this persecution is motivated by religious rhetoric, The Episcopal Church resolved in 2022 to express its theology of love by embarking on a mission to work with and for LGBTQ+ “forced migrants” including asylum seekers, refugees, undocumented immigrants, and others.
During its inaugural year – 2023 – 21 congregations and other partners joined EMM as Rainbow Initiative Congregations/Communities (RICs) to learn about LGBTQ+ forced migrants, raise awareness in Pride events, and discern their path forward. This year, some are beginning new ministries to provide welcome and essential support.
The Rainbow Initiative is now inviting congregations and other organizations to join this partnership for 2024. Each partner’s path will be unique, depending on their particular calling and circumstances: Some will develop or support direct-service programs; others will focus more on educating themselves and their communities; many will speak up for LGBTQ+ forced migrants in Pride or World Refugee Day events. In June we will also have opportunities for visibility presented by General Convention. This year especially, we need to clearly proclaim that we care about people who have been forced from their homelands because of homophobia and transphobia, and that we need to continue the ministry that was sparked by Resolution D045 at GC 2022.
By joining as a Rainbow Initiative Congregation/Community (RIC), partners agree to remain in conversation with EMM and other RICs over the course of the following months, and to be listed as a formal partner of the Initiative. EMM agrees to provide resources and opportunities for learning, as well as individualized assistance. EMM will also provide opportunities for mutual support with others around the globe. To register as a RIC, or simply to learn more about this opportunity, visit this link or contact [email protected].
