In this episode…we’re talking about Pride Month, young adults, and the life of the Episcopal Church—especially how we understand belonging, dignity, and love.

While we have talked about inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community before, we are talking more specifically about why so many dioceses, but especially the  Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, is addressing their participation in Pride Month and their local Pride Feast. 
 

About the Hosts:

The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner in the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Karen has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, and received a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She was ordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video games on her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with her husband Mike.

The Rev. Clare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is the curate for Campus Ministry at Kansas State University in the Diocese of Kansas and the Associate for college, youth, and children’s ministry at a parish in Kansas City, MO in the Diocese of W. Missouri. She is a graduate from the Univ. of Dubuque Theological Seminary (MDiv.) and from Bishop Kemper School for Ministry (Anglican Studies). She was ordained to the transitional diaconate in June 2025 and to the priesthood in January 2026. Clare comes from an interfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.

About the Guests: 

Tess Lollis-Burnside (She/Her) is a transgender laywoman who worships at St Mary's Episcopal Church, Kansas City. She grew up going to a United Church of Christ parish, but attended Roman Catholic schooling from elementary school to college. She became an Episcopalian in Fall of 2024. She serves at her parish as an acolyte most Sundays, and serves on the LGBTQ+ Ministry Committee of the Diocese of West Missouri. She has a deep and abiding love for beautifully complex Anglo-Catholic liturgy,  progressive orthodox theology, and finding new ways to express her queerness. She lives with Kirby, her non-binary fiance, in Kansas City. 

Raja Reed (he/him) is a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, where he serves as Parish Administrator and is active in outreach, hospitality, and pastoral care ministries. In the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri, Raja serves on Diocesan Council and the Commission on Ministry, and is co-chair of the Diocese’s LGBTQIA+ Ministry, and treasurer of the Secretariat of the Heartland Cursillo Ministry.  He is passionate about creating spaces of belonging, visibility, and welcome within the Church and throughout the wider community.
 

Relevant links:

Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment. 

To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click here

To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here

All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media. 

Music is provided by Blue Dot sessions. Our opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise.