The Committee on Inclusion

In 2015 amidst the face of conflicting diocesan and national policies, St. Paul’s chose dialogue, compassion, and action. The formation of the Committee on Inclusion (COI) with its three clear goals showed a proactive spirit rooted in love and reconciliation.

  1. To discover concrete ways to show our unconditional support for the LGBTQIA community, their friends and families and to invite them into the St. Paul’s Family.
  2. To reach out to alienated Episcopalians of the LGBTQIA community, their friends, family and supporters in the Capital District.
  3. To engage in discussion with other like-minded parishes in the Diocese of Albany to coordinate efforts, encourage, and promote our position within the diocese.

Ten years of work by the COI has been transformative.

  • Mission Statement Renewal: Aligning our identity with inclusive values.
  • Believe Out Loud Congregation: Publicly affirming LGBTQIA+ welcome.
  • Community Engagement: Supporting the Damien Center, marching in the Pride Parade, hosting inclusive worship, and welcoming the Albany Gay Men’s Chorus as residents—each act a beacon of belonging.
  • Ongoing Dialogue: Building bridges with the Pride Center and launching a speaker series shows our commitment to growth and education.

The arrival of Bishop Williamson marks a hopeful shift. His alignment with the Episcopal Church’s national stance on marriage equality signals a new era of unity and progress. We’re excited to walk this road with him and to show our readiness to lead with grace.

Looking ahead, it has always been our hope that the original mission of the Committee on Inclusion would become obsolete. While progress has been made, we recognize that the world still needs visible, vocal allies and we are called to continued action. St. Paul’s isn’t just reacting to change; we’re helping shape it as we continue to be a loving and inclusive parish family.

Our commitment to justice, hospitality, and healing within the Diocese of Albany is what it means to live the Gospel in action.

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People march in a parade holding a "St. Paul's Episcopal Church" banner. Colorful umbrellas and a lively crowd fill the street.
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Group of people in pink shirts pose at bowling alley for PAWS charity event, supporting pets of those affected by HIV/AIDS.
A group of people, mostly wearing pink shirts, stand together in a bowling alley with screens behind them, smiling for a group photo.
People in a bowling alley participating in a charity event called "Bowling for PAWS," supporting pets of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.