What is the Oasis Ministry?
The Oasis Ministry of the Diocese of New Jersey seeks
to foster welcoming and safe environments for persons suffering
discrimination, hatred, or emotional pain due to their sexual
orientation or gender expression. Anyone, regardless of orientation, is
welcome to participate with us. Discrimination against anyone affects
all of us, perhaps in ways that we do not comprehend. In the Diocese of
New Jersey, congregations are invited to become Welcoming Congregations
and thereby affirm their commitment to the ideals of the Oasis.
Resolution DO39, passed by the General Convention of the Episcopal
Church in 2003 expresses how our church sees the characteristics of a
healthy relationship.
That the members of the 73rd General Convention intend for this Church to provide a safe and just structure in which all can utilize their gifts and creative energies for mission; That we acknowledge that while the issues of human sexuality are not yet resolved, there are currently couples in the Body of Christ and in this Church who are living in marriage and couples in the Body of Christ and in this church who are living in other life-long committed relationship; That we expect such relationships will be characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect, careful, honest communication, and the holy love which enables those in such relationships to see in each other the image of God; That we denounce promiscuity, exploitation, and abusiveness in the relationships of any of our members; That this Church intends to hold all its members accountable to these values, and will provide for them the prayerful support, encouragement, and pastoral care necessary to live faithfully by them. Amen.
The enduring message of the Gospel is that God's love is expansive, not exclusive. No one is removed from God's love. Jesus embraced all he encountered. As Christians, we need to do the same. The Oasis Ministry seeks to break down barriers that often result in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and intersex persons having full participation and acceptance denied to them in church and in society. The Oasis Ministry plays its part in this mission by special worship events, social events, and other educational pursuits. We advocate for GLBTI people through public witness and political engagement. We invite all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender expression, to be companions on this journey. As part of this invitation, we encourage you to email us or contact a member of the Oasis team for further conversation.