Pride Parade Controversy

This July 19, St. Bart’s will once again have the opportunity to “walk the talk” of our foundational statement: All are welcome, no exceptions! It’s the 10th year of our participation in the San Diego Pride Parade, in conjunction with our diocese and cathedral. The photo above is from our first year!

You may have seen in the news that this year’s Pride programming is controversial. The organizers have invited to the festival an entertainer who is known for making anti-Israel remarks. As a result, some organizations and politicians and many Jewish groups have pulled their long-standing support of San Diego Pride and will not be attending.

We at St. Bart’s look to our bishop for guidance on how we can remain in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in both our Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. In her letter this week, Bishop Susan expressed our common concerns regarding these divisions, and also encouraged us to attend the “Light Up the Cathedral” interfaith service, hosted entirely by St. Paul’s Cathedral, on Wednesday, July 16, at 7 p.m. I know I will be there!

While Bishop Susan herself will be on sabbatical during the San Diego Pride Parade and Festival, she points out that “many community leaders, such as Mayor Todd Gloria and our own St. Paul’s Cathedral, have chosen to participate in the parade but not the festival because of the conflict.” All of us must discern what we feel is right in these circumstances. I personally will attend Light Up the Cathedral and the Pride Parade but not the Pride Festival. I hope you will join me at these two events (for more information, please see the announcements below in this e-newsletter) as we show that St. Bart’s is a caring and inclusive faith community that values all people as children of God. On this, we are clear and without controversy.

Mother Nina+