LGBT Workshop at Christ Church 

Theresa Everett, from Christ Church, opening the event and welcoming all.

The panel: Blake Rider, Peggy Borgstede, Paul Rinaldi and Barbara Curry.
Each gave their own story concentrating on the opportunities and frustrations in parish life.

Barbara Curry, from St. John's-on-the-Green, Waterbury, CT, gave us a moving and hilarious description of her trials in gaining acceptance at churches until she finally found her home at St John's.

Paul Rinaldi, from Christ Church, described his acceptance at Christ Church but then the challenges that he felt, particularly with the Anglican church. He was supported by his partner and their two children at the meeting.

Peggy Borgstede from St John's Wilmot, New Rochelle, told us about the difficulties of LGBT teens, the lack of supports for them even in our churches, and of her campaign to get shelters and acceptance for the homeless among them.

Blake Rider is now Rector of Christ Church, Poughkeepsie. He described his difficulties in becoming a priest in Texas and his joy at his new parish in Poughkeepsie.

Tim Palmer from the Diocesan Comittee for LGBT Concerns, went through a presentation showing the results of survey done across the country to gauge LGBT inclusion in parish life.

Even interviewing the most favorable selection of the church, it was still clear that most aspects of LGBT inclusion were much lower than would be desired.

After the presentations we broke up into 'church groups' to take a test - to see how well each of our churches were doing at full inclusion. And by so doing, to suggest to us ways in which we could improve - this was fun.

Susan also had fun. She let us know later how very grateful she is to be rector of such an enthusiastic and accepting group of people that are Christ Church.