Bishop's Committee on Inclusivity

Inviting reasonable and holy conversations
on same gender relationships

The Bishop’s Committee on Inclusivity, composed of clergy and lay, gay and straight, men and women, began meeting in spring 2009 to seek discernment, pray, plan and work toward inviting reasonable and holy conversations on same gender relationships.

The committee's purpose is to increase awareness among East Tennessee parishioners about the theological diversity regarding issues of sexuality within the Episcopal Church as it relates to non-heterosexual intimate partnerships. We propose to do this by engendering conversations at the parish level regarding this matter.

While we know that these conversations may be difficult, and that many viewpoints are represented within the Diocese, we believe that we can come together for holy and reasonable discussions about same-gender relationships, as we wrestle with what it means to be Christ’s people in the world.

Below are anwsers to some questions that you might have:

Who is on the committee?
Individual contact names and e-mail addresses may be found at left. Subcommittees and subcommittee members are:

      • Theological Resources:
            David Thomas, the Rev. Howard Bowlin,
            the Rev. Scherry Fouke

      • Communication:
            Randy Dean, the Rev. Harry Howard

      • Other Resources:
            The Rev. Paige Buchholz, Bruce Haas,
            the Rev. Amy Morehous

      • Data Collection & Evaluation:
            Dr. Barbara Grissett, Dr. John Robertson, Susan Hyde

Can I ask questions?
A flyer describing the committee’s work may be downloaded by clicking here or on the image at top left. There you will find space for questions, comments and suggestions for the committee's consideration. Or, you may contact any committee member using the contact information at left.

Will someone come to my parish?
Committee members are available as resources to clergy and to individual parishes based on the needs of a particular parish. Some topics of interest might be:

      • Parish-based discussion course
      • Scientific perspectives on human sexuality
      • Spiritual biographies from people of differing sexual
         histories and experiences
      • Diverse offering of suggestions for parish involvement
         and conversation

What can I do?
      • Think about ways that our community might be led to
         respond to requests from our gay and lesbian members.
      • Talk with clergy about having a committee member
         speak with your parish, group(s) or members
         within your parish.
      • Hear, learn, speak and pray.

The Episcopal Church in East Tennessee,
Unified and empowered by the Spirit of God,
Embraces the call of Jesus
as servants for the sake of the world
And as faithful stewards of God’s gracious bounty.