In a heartfelt reflection, a mother shares her journey of embracing inclusivity within faith communities. She and her partner Grant have found a welcoming home at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio. While she maintains ties with the Catholic tradition due to its commitment to social justice, she expresses deep pain over the Catholic Church's stance on LGBTQ+ individuals. The writer recounts her background in the Episcopal Church and her initial hesitation towards progressive reforms. Over time, her experiences have led her to understand the importance of inclusive practices that uplift all members of the community. She emphasizes the critical role of supportive religious environments for families with LGBTQ+ children and stresses the dangers of exclusionary ideologies. Ultimately, she advocates for a faith that prioritizes love and acceptance above rigid dogma.

Her story begins in San Antonio, where she and Grant have become active members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. This decision came after years of navigating different faith traditions. Though she has maintained a special arrangement with the local Catholic Archdiocese, allowing her to practice certain aspects of Catholicism, she acknowledges the emotional toll of witnessing the Church's struggle with LGBTQ+ inclusion. As a mother, this issue hits particularly close to home, especially given her own family's experiences.

The writer reflects on her upbringing in the Episcopal Church, recalling fond memories but also acknowledging the challenges faced during the late 1990s and early 2000s. During this period, many within the Episcopal community were grappling with rapid changes, including the ordination of openly gay clergy. These developments sparked debates and divisions, leading some to join movements like the Anglican Realignment. However, as she delved deeper into these issues, she realized the profound impact such reforms had on marginalized groups. Her time in the Catholic Church further reinforced the need for inclusive practices that affirm the dignity of every individual.

She underscores the importance of creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, particularly within conservative religious settings. Too often, families assume their children will not be part of this community simply because they are raised in a particular faith. This assumption can lead to devastating consequences when a child comes out in an unsupportive environment. Drawing from personal experience, she highlights the life-and-death significance of family support. For her, loving and accepting her children as they are has been paramount. She also notes the positive influence of female leadership in fostering an affirming atmosphere for gender and sexual minorities.

The writer concludes by emphasizing the true mission of the Church: to provide compassionate care and support to those in need. Inspired by teachings from Pope Francis, she believes that the Church's role is to embody Christ's commandments—to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and clothe the naked. Rather than condemning others or aligning with political agendas, the Church should focus on loving God and neighbor through actions rooted in compassion and understanding. In doing so, it can truly reflect the image of God in all people.