From Sue Mings, On-Site Coordinator:
The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and Integrity Western Washington took to the streets once again as we marched in Seattle’s June 30 2019 Pride Parade to celebrate the diversity of God’s kingdom, including the LGBTQ+ community. The message we bring each year is Jesus’s own, that “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me” (Matthew 10:40). Jesus’s love welcomes everyone, including LGBTQ+, and as we march we demonstrate that the Episcopal church is open, inclusive, and affirming of all God’s people.
This year, about 30 marchers from churches across the diocese were represented. Like last year, we had terrific weather for the day, and we nabbed a great staging spot by registering as early as possible. We weren’t too far behind the VIPs (government and the largest donors) who always get front spots. Our nearest neighbors included Expedia, Google, Nintendo, Seattle Symphony, Lavendar Magic, Archie McPhee, Bailey Boushay House, Fred Hutch, and the United Christian Church in Renton (who after Pride month-related vandalism recently reaffirmed that Love Wins).
So you can see we were in good company – including the Seattle YMCA right across the street! They provided water and restrooms for marchers. And they kept a boombox blasting 1970’s and 80’s disco music as we waited. Spontaneous dance breakouts were spotted! All combined to have our group in high spirts and top marching form when parade organizers signaled us to hit the road with our message of God’s inclusive love.
As in years past, we proudly displayed a variety of banners and signs from our home churches and handed out information about our communities. Once again, contact cards with candy taped to them went the fastest. This seems to be a sure-fire way to distribute church information at a parade: just tape a piece of candy to it!
At every reviewers’ stand (where floats, marchers, and groups pause for a few words from parade organizers), the crowds cheered enthusiastically as the emcee read that “The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia is marching to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and to let you know that the Episcopal church is open, inclusive, and affirming. Find an Episcopal church near you and please come visit us soon!”
On a personal note this reporter found some of the personal reactions when people received our cards even more moving. A few people along the parade route would take the card, read it slowly, and say with a catch in their throat or a tear in their eye, “Thank you so much for this.” Some asked for more cards to give a family member of friend. Bottom line: for some people, you could tell it wasn’t just about the free candy.
This year we tried a new twist on the “Viewers Section.” A group from St Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Bellevue arrived very early in the day set up an excellent spot across from one of the Reviewers’ Stands. The set-up included a large parish sign (but not large enough to block anyone’s view!), and many info card/candy combos. This set up proved a great way to spend a nice day sharing information about our church, diocese, and faith while enjoying the parade with new neighbors and friends.
When marchers reached the parade’s end, the Rev. Chris Jillard of St Margaret, Bellevue led us in a prayer of thanks for God’s love and grace and the day we shared.
