Faith and the LGBTQ+ Community | Better Together Arizona Podcast

In this episode of the Better Together Arizona podcast, ONE Community President and Co-Founder, Angela Hughey is joined by Bishop Jennifer Reddall of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. Bishop Reddall is the first woman to hold that title. The conversation explores the evolution of the Episcopal Church regarding LGBTQ+ issues, from being a church with "closeted relationships" to becoming more openly inclusive. Key moments include the ordination of the first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, in 2003, and the church's move towards same-sex blessings and marriage equality. Bishop Reddall speaks about the church's commitment to welcoming all people, highlighting that the church is not just welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community, but that the community is part of the church. She shares the story of St. Stephen’s Episopal Church in Douglas,AZ–a church that was the subject of an arson hate crime because of its support for LGBTQ+ inclusion and women's ordination–and the subsequent rebuilding effort as a symbol of resilience and faith.This discussion offers hope and emphasizes that the core of Christianity is about love and the image of God that is in every person. Bishop Reddall reminds us that Christmas in particular is about the celebration of humanity. Bishop Reddall was named one of the 2024 Local Heroes by ONE Community at our annual Spotlight on Success Awards. See her honoree video here. About Better Together Arizona: Better Together Arizona podcast shares stories that teach us how to value one another as neighbors, to value people who live differently than us, and to seek unity over division. The Better Together Arizona podcast includes people from all walks of life, working in often surprising ways to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Better Together Arizona is supported by ONE Community and filmed at the Full Swing Studios podcast studio in Midtown Phoenix.  #LGBTQPodcasts #BestLGBTQPodcasts #LGBTQPodcast #GoodLGBTQPodcast #EpiscopalChurchLGBTQ #DoesEpiscopalChurchSupportLGBTQ #EpiscopalChurchLGBTQFriendly