Saint Martin's Episcopal Church — Attraction in Houston

In 2023-2024, really ? This is unacceptable.

I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding my recent experience during the job interview process for the Security department position at your church. I believe it is essential to bring this matter to your attention for the sake of transparency and the potential improvement of your hiring practices.

Late last year, I applied for the Security position and received an immediate response, stating that I met the requirements for the role. Following a successful phone interview with Ms. Sarah Kolb from the Human Resources department, I was extended a conditional job offer, which I promptly accepted. Subsequently, I was scheduled to meet with the Director of Safety and Security, Mr. Pete Herrada.

Upon arriving at St. Martin's Episcopal Church for the in-person interview, I encountered a disheartening and unprofessional atmosphere. The receptionist's conduct was particularly concerning when, during a phone call with Ms. Kolb, my gender and race were discussed, followed by what seemed to be inappropriate giggling. This made me uncomfortable and raised questions about the integrity of the hiring process.

Ms. Kolb's introduction and subsequent comment, "You are not who we expected," further added to my discomfort. It was evident that preconceived notions about my appearance played a role in their expectations. Such behavior contradicts the principles of fair and equal opportunity employment.

Upon meeting Mr. Pete Herrada, I experienced an unprofessional and discriminatory interaction. Mr. Herrada's sarcastic laughter and comments about his negative experiences with African-American security officers were inappropriate and offensive. Asking me if I would be different from those experiences was both embarrassing and uncomfortable, as I have never encountered such a question in a professional setting before.

It is disheartening to believe that racial discrimination may have played a role in my candidacy. St. Martin's Episcopal Church's commitment to being a "Fair and Equal Opportunity Employer" is contradicted by such experiences. It is crucial to acknowledge that racial discrimination has no place in any organization, especially within a church that should embody principles of love, inclusivity, and acceptance.

As a result of this unfortunate experience, I have chosen not to pursue employment with St. Martin's Episcopal Church and, regrettably, will not recommend the organization to potential applicants. I believe it is essential for your organization to be aware of these issues and take steps to address and rectify them to ensure a fair and inclusive hiring process for all candidates....

This church is so much more than the beautiful cathedral, chapel and peaceful grounds, although it is breathtaking to behold. As a former Catholic, I felt immediately at home with the traditional service. It feels very Catholic in the style without all the things that were the reasons I left Catholicism (exclusion, shame, guilt and judgement are not present here). Divorced, no problem. LGBT, okay. Clergy can marry. Birth control isn't prohibited. Everyone is welcome. It has a diverse congregation, different social, political and various kinds of people attend, not what you may expect. All baptized Christians are welcome to take part in the Eucharist. The people are friendly without pressuring you. I love the sermons and the message is always spiritual and thought provoking, applicable to my life. The choir is very good. Their pastoral care is full of kindness and was extended to me even before I became a member. The clergy cares and will pray with you one on one. Yes it is a big church with a large congregation but it feels like home to me. They have a lot of ways to get involved and to give from your heart: time, talent and treasure. Also 25% of tithes go to the needy. There isn't any yelling from the pulpit. I...

Wanted to explore churches in Houston. So one of the churches I visited, is Saint Martin's Episcopal Church in Sage Road, Houston.

The church was built in 1952 by J. Thomas Bagby. This is the largest parish of the Episcopal Church in North America. The two spires on the top of the church reaches to 188 feet. There is a big parking lot in front of the church. The church is not only a spiritual haven but also a beautiful historical architecture to explore around.

If you are looking for exploring churches in Houston, this should be in your...