MANSFIELD – The Greater Mansfield community will come together for a groundbreaking interfaith worship service celebrating Pride and the diversity of God’s creation.
The inaugural Greater Mansfield Interfaith Pride Worship Service will take place on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, located at 41 Bowman Street in downtown Mansfield.
This historic event, themed “Love Without Expectation,” marks the first collaborative Pride worship service in the area, bringing together clergy and congregants from multiple faith traditions alongside the Mansfield Gay Pride Association to create a powerful witness of unity, acceptance, and divine love.
Service Highlights
The service will feature:
- Interfaith readings from Hebrew, Christian, and secular sources
- Musical selections include “God Help the Outcasts” and “All Are Welcome.”
- Prayers for inclusion, justice, and healing led by area clergy
- A homily by The Rev. Christopher D. Hofer, Priest-in-Charge at Grace Episcopal Church
Participating clergy include Fr. Christopher Hofer, Archbishop Joseph Richards, Pastor Jonathan Stufft, Pastor Dan Dickman, Fr. Daniel Orr, Deacon Beth Weisbrod, Fr. David Sipes, and Pastor Ben Weisbrod, representing the collaborative spirit of the interfaith community.
Community Partnership
The service represents a partnership between Grace Episcopal Church and the Mansfield Gay Pride Association, with welcome remarks from Jennifer Blue, Senior Warden of Grace Episcopal Church, and Tim Denis, President of the Mansfield Gay Pride Association.
“At Grace, we believe in the power of community, love, and acceptance,” said Rev. Hofer. “Our motto is simple yet profound: God loves you. No exceptions. This service embodies that truth and celebrates the divine image present in every person.”
Open to All
The public is invited to attend this free service. Light refreshments will be served in the Parish Hall immediately following the worship. Grace Episcopal Church emphasizes that all are welcome regardless of background, faith tradition, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Grace Episcopal Church is located in the heart of downtown Mansfield’s Imagination District and has long been known for its inclusive ministry and community outreach, including its food pantry ministry.
Looking Forward
Organizers hope this inaugural service will establish an annual tradition that strengthens interfaith cooperation and advances the cause of equality and justice in the greater Mansfield area.