The Friends of St. Aelred is a group of LGBTQ+ Episcopalians and their supporters and friends. The Friends started nearly 20 years ago as a support group for gay people and gradually became a service organization whose contributions to Cathedral life include the annual Christmas Giving Tree, delivery of lilies to our homebound members at Easter, and activities and Easter food baskets at Resurrection House.

The Friends also put on community-building events including a brunch and our Spiritual Pride dinner (postponed for several years now because of Covid), and are involved in St. Pete Pride activities every June. They also enjoy socials and outings throughout the year.

St. Aelred was a 12th-century Cistercian monk, abbott, and author who taught that friendship is a gift from God and allowed his monks to hold hands and give other expressions of friendship.

If you’d like to join this group or have questions about the monthly meetings, please contact Jonathan Soots (jonathansoots@gmail.com).