But it was Crew's involvement with The Episcopal Church which brought him the most notoriety and scorn.

He is a convert to The Episcopal Church. He was reared as a Baptist and baptized at eight. While in his 20's discovered The Episcopal Church. He was confirmed in 1961 by Bishop Randolph Claiborne (V Atlanta) while teaching at the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia.

Early life as an Episcopalian was not always smooth sailing. He ran into trouble with the Episcopal church he was attending in Fort Valley, Georgia when he tried to transfer his membership from Rome.

The vestry in Fort Valley took issue with Crew's lifestyle and penned him a terse letter.

"We would all be pleased if you would find some other place of worship that may be more in sympathy to your thinking and efforts towards Gay people," the vestry wrote.

In was in 1973, divorced from his first wife (a woman and former student) while teaching at Fort Valley State University that Crew met a black man salesman -- Ernest Clay -- and the course of his life was changed. He embraced Clay as his homosexual lover and a lifelong homosexual relationship was established. They were together for 46 years and were first "married" in 1974. However, that "marriage" was not legal in either the eyes of the law or the eyes of the church. Although that "marriage" ceremony was celebrated according to the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. Thirty-nine years later they again "tied the knot." This time in a quickie ceremony at a courthouse in New Jersey in 2013, the same year that same-sex marriage became legal in the Garden State. Crew then took his "husband's" sir name -- Clay -- and as a "married couple" in the eyes of the law, they learned they could file a joint return and save on taxes.

However, the name Louie Crew is so established in the people's minds that even his Wikipedia page comes up as "Louie Crew" rather than "Louie Clay."

Following their "marriage" the "couple" went to San Francisco where Crew had a summer commitment as a fellow of the National Endowment of the Humanities at the University of California at Berkeley. While in town he contacted Grace Episcopal Cathedral seeking to connect with other gay Episcopalians. He was not taken seriously. It was this perceived rejection by the Episcopal cathedral in the "gayest city" in the nation that was the catalyst which provided the impetus for Crew to found Integrity, to counter the "rejection" that he found at Grace Cathedral as a gay Episcopalian.

"I knew what they (the Grace Cathedral staff) were doing was violating the wholeness through which I was experiencing God," Crew explained in an Integrity video.

He named the organization "Integrity" seeking to "reclaim what had been violated."

In the dictionary the noun integrity is defined as: "the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness."

Integrity, the organization, twists the word's moral meaning as Crew defines the word.

"Integrity derives from integer, Latin for 'entire.' All Christian wholeness demands affirmation of God ordained sexuality; and gays and straights alike are charged with the responsibility of using their sexuality in healthy human sharing rather than perversely trying to change or exchange the Gift of God," Crew wrote in his first 1974 Integrity newsletter.

Integrity's Goal: Changing Marriage

Since its 1974 inception, as a newsletter for gays, IntegrityUSA has been vocal -- very vocal --in pushing the LGBT agenda seeking to mainstream homosexuality, and later transgenderism, as well as other sexual deviations, in The Episcopal Church. Ultimately its primary goal was to see gay marriage become legal and accepted by the church as a normal expression of holy wedlock. Bidding its time, Integrity finally accomplished its goal: one General Convention at a time; one carefully crafted resolution at a time.

Integrity's overarching marriage-for-all goal was met in 2015 when the Supreme Court mandated that same-sex marriage was a fundamental right in all 50 states. Integrity still decries the fact that there are still a handful of Episcopal dioceses, such as the Episcopal Diocese of Albany headed by Bishop William Love (IX Albany), which do not allow the solemnizing same-sex weddings within the diocese. Until all dioceses are forced to capitulate to same-sex weddings and same-gender blessings the militant LGBT quasi-religious organization will not consider its mission completed.

In 2004 Integrity birthed TransEpsicopal, an organization dedicated to affirming transgendered Episcopalians who struggle with receiving total acceptance in the wider church. It seeks to address the unique needs of the deviant transgendered community. There are at least five known and identified transgendered clergy -- one deacon and four priests -- in The Episcopal Church. They include three male to "female" transitions; and two female to "male" transitions.

Integrity's working motto was: "Working for the full inclusion of all the baptized in all the sacraments." Its goal was to see that anyone can be baptized. Anyone could go to Communion. Anyone can be confirmed. Anyone can be married. Anyone could become a priest. Anyone could become a bishop. The goal was that there were no impediments preventing anyone from receiving any Episcopal sacramental care.

It didn't matter if the couple to be married were both men or both women. It didn't matter if the couple -- gay or straight -- approaching the Communion rail are shacking up. It didn't matter if the candidate for ordination is a transgendered male or a transgendered female. It didn't matter if the bishop is a gay or lesbian in a "partnered" relationship.

This attitude lead to the consecration of Bishop Vicky Gene Robinson (IX New Hampshire) in 2003, followed by Mary Glasspool (Los Angeles -- suffragan) in 2010. Now the flood gates have opened to "partnered" gay bishops. This year (2019) Bishop Thomas Brown (X Maine) was consecrated and Bonnie Perry and Deon Johnson have been elected as the bishops of the dioceses of Michigan and Missouri, respectively. They are both expected to be consecrated in 2020. The late Bishop Thomas Shaw, SSJE, (XV Massachusetts) was also a known homosexual who remained celibate and prayerfully lived out his monastic Vow of Holy Chasity.

Since 1976 Integrity has had a voice at General Convention. For 15 General Conventions (1976-2018) Integrity was not only visible but vocal. Crew was a General Convention delegate from the Diocese of Newark for six of those conventions from 1994-2009.

Integrity, under the watchful eye of Louie Crew, did much to turn The Episcopal Church's focus from Scriptural morality and godly virtues to embracing a worldly view of sexuality ending into the acceptance of gay, lesbian and transgendered rights including fully fledged "marriage equality" and sexually confused transgendered clergy. The creeping gayification of the church can be seen through the various resolutions which were passed at successive General Conventions.

General Convention wondered thick into the weeds in trying to bend over backwards to allow any sexual deviation become an official part of The Episcopal Church's canonical DNA. As the years passed Integrity got more aggrieve in its attempt to ramrod the LGBT agenda through General Convention. Here is a sampling of the resolutions that General Convention grappled with and passed during Integrity's 40-year lifespan.

The 1980s

1985: Express the Mind of the House on Gender and the Episcopate
• The House of Bishops of the 68th General Convention states that the majority of its members do not intend to withhold consent to the election of any bishop on ground of gender.

1988: Refer a Resolution on a Staff Officer for Gay and Lesbian Ministries
• The 69th General Convention refers the resolution on a staff officer for gay and lesbian ministries to an interim body.

1988: Support Exploration of Causes of Suicide Among Gay and Lesbian Youth
• The 69th General Convention pledges pastoral support for suffering gay and lesbian youth, recognizes that many gay and lesbian children are driven to suicide, and requests that information on the diverse dimensions of suicide be distributed.

The 1990s

1991: Acknowledge and Re-examine Church's Attitudes About Sexuality
• The 70th General Convention calls on the Church to re-examine its attitudes about sexuality. It requests dioceses to offer education in the area of human sexuality and homosexuality. It directs that training materials on sexuality be made accessible to the dioceses for clergy and laity.

1994: Reaffirm Canon on Equal Access to Ordination Process for Men and Women
• The 71st General Convention reaffirms Canon Title III.8.1 which guarantees to both men and women access to the ordination process. It recognizes the theological positions of those who support and those who oppose the ordination of women and directs that a committee discuss how the canon can be implemented in every diocese.

1994: Call on US Government to Extend Benefits to Gay and Lesbian Couples
• The 71st General Convention calls upon government bodies to approve measures giving gay and lesbian couples the same civil protections enjoyed by non-gay married couples.

1994: Prepare Report Considering Rites for Same-Sex Commitments
• The 71st General Convention directs the preparation of a report on the theological foundations and pastoral considerations of rites honoring love and commitment between persons of the same sex. It directs that no rites be developed unless authorized by the General Convention.

1997: Apologize for the Church's Rejection of Gays and Lesbians
• The 72nd General Convention apologizes for the Church's rejection and maltreatment of gays and lesbians.

1997: Remind Convention Bodies to Be Attentive to Inclusion and Discrimination
• The 72nd General Convention reminds the chairs of all Convention bodies to be attentive to issues of inclusion and discrimination affecting their members.

The 2000s

2000: Identify "Safe Spaces" for Lesbians and Gays
• The 73rd General Convention requests that Executive Council establish a formal process for identifying "safe spaces" for lesbians and gays in this Church and that the Presiding Bishop's staff encourage the same within the Anglican Communion.

2000: Recommend Engaging the Boy Scouts on Issues of Sexuality Orientation
• The 73rd General Convention recommends that clergy initiate and encourage discussion on the issues of sexual orientation and inclusion with local Boy Scouts of America councils.

2000: Acknowledge Relationships Other Than Marriage and Existence of Disagreement
• The 73rd General Convention affirms the variety of human relationships in and outside of marriage and acknowledges disagreement over the Church's traditional teaching on human sexuality.

2003: Oppose Certain Therapies for Sexual Orientation
• The 74th General Convention opposes certain therapies for sexual orientation.

2003: Consider Blessing Committed, Same-Gender Relationships
• The 74th General Convention discusses the blessing of committed, same-gender relationships.

2003: Direct Executive Council to Appoint a Task Force on Baptismal Parity
• The 74th General Convention directs Executive Council to appoint a task force to create and encourage incorporation of guidelines that assure inclusion of all who are created in God's image in the daily life and worship of the Church.

2006: Reaffirm Church Membership of Gay and Lesbian Persons
• The 75th General Convention reaffirms the Church membership of gay and lesbian persons.

2006: Oppose Criminalization of Homosexuality
• The 75th General Convention declares efforts to criminalize homosexual behavior are incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Lambeth resolutions and the Primates' statement. It commends Brazil for its efforts to extend the protections of the U.N.'s Declaration on Human Rights to include gay and lesbian people.

2009: Refer a Resolution on Civil Statutes Defining Marriage
• The 76th General Convention refers to a Standing Commission a resolution calling on Congress to repeal the "Defense of Marriage" statute and to oppose similar legislation elsewhere.

2009: Support Laws that Prohibit Discrimination Based on Gender Identity
• The 76th General Convention supports laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or its expression and treat physical violence associated with gender identity or expression as a hate crime.

2009: Support Employment Non-discrimination Laws
• The 76th General Convention supports federal laws that prohibit employment discrimination because of sexual orientation or gender identity.

2009: Develop Liturgies for Blessings Unions and Provide Generous Pastoral Response
• The 76th General Convention requests the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to develop resources on blessings of same gender relationships; and authorizes bishops to provide a pastoral response to the relationships of all Church members.

2009: Reaffirm Participation in the Anglican Communion and Acknowledge Differences
• The 76th General Convention recognizes the value of the experience of homosexual persons, of same-sex couples who are members, the call of these persons to ordained ministry, and that Christians of good conscience may disagree on these matters.

The 2010s

2012: Refer a Resolution on Amending the Marriage Canons
• The 77th General Convention refers to a Standing Commission resolution to amend Canons I.18.2(b) and 18.3(e-f) concerning the solemnization of marriage by replacing the phrase, "a man and a woman" with "two people."

2012: Urge Repeal of Federal Laws Discriminating Against Same-Sex Marriage
• The 77th General Convention urges the U.S. Congress to repeal federal laws that discriminate against same-sex, civilly married couples; and to pass legislation providing benefits to those couples.

2012: Recognize Work in Uganda on Behalf of LGBT People
• The 77th General Convention recognizes the work of retired West Uganda Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, particularly in countries where LGBT people are criminalized.

2012: Amend Canon I.17.5 [Rights of Laity]
• The 77th General Convention amends Canon I.17.5 to include gender identity and expression among reasons why no one shall be denied rights, status, or equal access in the Church.

2012: Adopt Statements on Threats Against Sexual Minorities
• The 77th General Convention adopts statements condemning all use of violent rhetoric or threats against sexual minorities.

2012: Authorize Liturgical Resources for Blessing Same-Sex Relationships
• The 77th General Convention commends revisions to "Liturgical Resources I: I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing" for the Church's use in witnessing and blessing of a lifelong covenant in same-sex relationships.

2012: Create a Task Force on the Study of Marriage
• The 77th General Convention directs that a task force be appointed to explore dimensions of marriage by consulting with couples living in marriage and other lifelong committed relationships, and with single adults, and with other churches; and requests the task force to develop tools for theological discussion at a local level.

2012: Urge Equal Application of Immigration Law to Same-Sex
Partners
• The 77th General Convention urges enactment of law allowing same-sex legal domestic partners and spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents to seek resident status, and solicits support from dioceses and congregations for this reform.

2012: Amend Canon III.1.2 [Access to Discernment Process for Ministry]
• The 77th General Convention adds nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression to the access clause of the ministry discernment process.

2012: Refer a Resolution on Amending the Marriage Canons
• The 77th General Convention refers to a Standing Commission resolution to amend Canons I.18.2(b) and 18.3(e-f) concerning the solemnization of marriage by replacing the phrase, "a man and a woman" with "two people."

2015: Extend Pension Benefits to Same-Gender Couples
• The 78th General Convention directs the Church Pension Fund to work for revision of how pension benefits are determined for same-gender couples.

2015: Prioritize Gender Equality Concerns in Foreign and Church Aid
• The 78th General Convention recommends a set of standards to follow on gender equality and empowerment of women and transgendered persons when considering the distribution of foreign and Church aid.

2015: Support and Sponsor Boy Scouts of America Units
• The 78th General Convention commends the Boy Scouts of America non-discrimination policy for youth members, encourages congregations to support scouting units, and urges a non-discrimination policy for adult leaders.

2015: Support LGBTI Advocacy in Africa
• The 78th General Convention affirms the dignity and humanity of LGBTI persons in Africa and advocates for prayers and partnerships with African Anglicans who work on their behalf.

2015: Amend Church Records to Reflect Name Changes
• The 78th General Convention requests a study and recommendations regarding the amendment of church records, registries and certificates to reflect legal name changes.

2015: Amend Canon I.18 [Of the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony]
• The 78th General Convention amends Canon 1.18 to regulate the celebration and blessing of marriage and to permit the union of any couple so long as the marriage shall conform to civil and canon law.

2015: Appoint an Expanded Task Force on the Study of Marriage
• The 78th General Convention explore and report on further contemporary trends and norms identified by the previous Task Force in "Dearly Beloved," including theological, liturgical, and pastoral perspectives on single individuals, unmarried couples, and different forms of family relationship.

2015: Oppose Therapists Engaged in Changing Sexual Identity
• The 78th General Convention supports legislation to ban licensed therapists who attempt to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

2015: Authorize Trial Use of Marriage and Blessing Rites in "Liturgical Resources I"
• The 78th General Convention authorizes for trial use liturgies contained in "Liturgical Resources I: I Will Bless You and You Will Be a Blessing, Revised and Expanded 2015" while acknowledging the canonical provisions and theological diversity of the Church in matters of human sexuality.

2015: Oppose Therapists Engaged in Changing Sexual Identity
• The 78th General Convention supports legislation to ban licensed therapists who attempt to change sexual orientation or gender identity.

2015: Express Gratitude for Dr. Louis Crew Clay
• The House of Deputies expresses gratitude to Dr. Louis Crew Clay for his leadership in electronic communication, his work on Executive Council, and his advocacy for LGBTQ inclusivity.

2015: Include Name Change Rite in Book of Occasional Services
• The 78th General Convention directs the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to include a rite for changing of a person's name in the revision of the Book of Occasional Services.

2018: Proposed Guidelines for Amending Church Records
• The 79th General Convention appreciates the contribution of the TransEpiscopal community in articulating the need to change church records in keeping with an individual's gender identity.

2018: Inclusion of Transgender People
• The 79th General Convention affirms the guiding principles for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people and urge that the Dioceses of the Episcopal Church prayerfully consider adopting and implementing the following guiding principles for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people in their parishes, missions, schools and camps.

2018: Marriage Rites for the Whole Church
• The 79th General Convention authorizes for continued trial use, in accordance with Article X of the Constitution and Canon II.3.6, "The Witnessing and Blessing of a Marriage" and "The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage 2" (as appended to the report of the Task Force for the Study of Marriage to the 79th General Convention).

2018: Supporting Transgender Access
• The 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church reaffirms its support for the enactment of laws at the local, state and federal level that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or the expression of one's gender identity.

GENERAL CONVENTION REJECTIONS

Through the years there have been some resolutions which Integrity backed and were rejected by General Convention. However, many of those rejected proposals were then re-presented in subsequent General Conventions and passed. Some General Convention resolutions which were voted down include:

2015: On the Topic of Inviting All to Holy Communion
• The 78th General Convention rejects a resolution regarding the practice called "open table" for unconditional reception of Holy Communion.

2012: On the Topic of Blood Donations
• The 77th General Convention rejects a resolution that would encourage Episcopalians to donate blood and would request an FDA revision to its policy prohibiting blood donations from gay men.

2012: On the Topic of Marriage Equality
• The 77th General Convention rejects a resolution calling for revision of the Constitution and Canons to reflect civil same-gender marriages and unions.

2012: On the Topic of Marriage Equality
• The 77th General Convention rejects a resolution calling for revision of the Constitution and Canons to reflect civil same-gender marriages and unions.

2009: On the Topic of Pastoral Generosity in Cases of Civil Marriage
• The 76th General Convention rejects a resolution to permit the adaptation of the Pastoral Offices for The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage and The Blessing of a Civil Marriage.

2009: On the Topic of Same Gender Committed Relationships
• The 76th General Convention rejects a resolution to amend Canon III.1.2 to add sexual orientation to the list of attributes that cannot be used to deny access to ordination.

2009: On the Topic of Amending Title III.1.2 [Access to Discernment Process]
• The 76th General Convention rejects a resolution to amend Title III.1.2 to add gender identity and expression to the list of attributes that cannot be used to deny access to ordination.

2009: On the Topic of an Alternative Baptismal Covenant
• The 76th General Convention rejects a resolution to amend Canon III.6.5(j) to create an alternative baptismal covenant for "Enriching Our Worship."

2009: On the Topic of Same Gender Committed Relationships
• The 76th General Convention rejects a resolution to amend Canon III.1.2 to add sexual orientation to the list of attributes that cannot be used to deny access to ordination.

2006: On the Topic of Human Rights of Homosexual Persons
• The 75th General Convention rejects a resolution on reaffirming the human rights of homosexual persons.

2006: On the Topic of Contributing to Strains on the Communion
• The 75th General Convention rejects a resolution expressing regret for straining the Communion by agreeing to ordain an openly gay Bishop and urging caution in taking similar actions in the future.

2006: On the Topic of Asylum for Persecuted Lesbian and Gay People
• The 75th General Convention rejects a resolution on asylum for persecuted lesbian and gay people.

2000: On the Topic of a Definition of "Sexual Equality"
• The 73rd General Convention rejects a resolution in support of the statement entitled, "Sexual Equality as Understood by the Church."

2000: On the Topic of Sexual Exploitation of Children
• The 73rd General Convention rejects a resolution concerning the sexual exploitation of children.

1997: On the Topic of the Norms of Sexual Conduct
• The 72nd General Convention rejects a resolution on the norms of sexual conduct.

1997: On the Topic of Rites for the Blessing of Same-Sex Relationships
• The 72nd General Convention rejects a resolution concerning rites for blessing same-sex relationships.

1997: On the Topic of CPF Benefits for Same-Sex Partners
• The 72nd General Convention rejects a resolution concerning Church Pension Fund benefits for same-sex partners.

1982: On the Topic of Preparation for Marriage
• The 67th General Convention rejects a resolution on preparation for marriage.

1982: On the Topic of Views on Abortion
• The 67th General Convention rejects the resolution supporting those discriminated against for views on abortion.

Integrity's Death Throes

By the 2018 General Convention in Austin, Texas, Integrity was on its last legs. The Rev. Gwen -- formerly Greg -- Fry moved up from vice president of national affairs to Integrity's president.

Fry transitioned from a male to a "female" in 2014 when he announced to his small stunned Episcopal congregation in Pine Bluff, Arkansas that he now sees himself as female, so please call him "Gwen." Following his startling revelation, he was removed from his parish by Bishop Larry Benfield (XIII Arkansas). He has yet to secure another sacerdotal position in an Episcopal church. Integrity was his pulpit but he found no altar.

His wife -- a straight female, who is also an ordained Episcopal woman priest -- has returned to her native Maine where she is rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden, Maine. She left her transgendered male-to-female husband behind in Arkansas where he has no parochial parish assignment.

Writing a letter -- a mere two days (Nov. 25) before Louie Crew died -- "Gwen" resigned the presidency of Integrity following an embattled tenure of struggles with leadership, finances, communication and relevancy, "Gwen" mentioned briefly "her" troubled marriage: "I moved across the country and reunited with my wife after a lengthy separation. ... I have decided that it is important to focus on my family, which is why I'm resigning as president of Integrity USA." In trying to sort it all out "she" had already taken a year-long medical leave to deal with health and extended family issues.

"Unless and until every parish in The Episcopal Church is open and affirming to the LGBTQIA community, there's always work to do," said "Gwen" as "she" left office amid the growing criticism of "her" leadership.

As of 2018 the parochial report shows there are 6,423 churches, parishes and missions in the domestic church. The out-going Integrity president would like to see the rainbow flag flown at each location along with the Episcopal flag.

"Gwen" is one of five known transgendered Episcopal clergy including "Carolyn" Woodall an Episcopal transgendered "woman" deacon and attorney who is serving in The Episcopal Church Diocese of San Joaquin.

"Cameron" Partridge, a transgendered "male" priest, is now the rector at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in San Francisco, California. "He" gained notoriety for being the first transgendered priest to preach at the National Cathedral during Pride Month, June 2014.

"Carla" Robinson was a male Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod pastor before becoming a transgendered "female" Episcopal priest. "She" is an associate priest at Christ Episcopal Church in Seattle, Washington.

Finally, "Christopher" Fike is a transgendered "male" priest who is the rector of St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

In October the Episcopal New Service reported: "Fry's term as president has been marked by instability and uncertainty..."

It also reported that in 2018 four of five elected board members resigned and the entire paid staff was laid off leaving Integrity an entirely a volunteer organization.

The State of Illinois finally took matters in hand. It was learned at the November 10 Integrity board meeting that: "The incorporation status of Integrity USA was involuntarily dissolved in Illinois." The reason was because IntegrityUSA, under the leadership of Gwen Fry, failed to file the necessary paperwork and reports in 2018.

At one time Integrity had a membership of more than 2,000 individual members. The latest membership figure is 192, a drop of more than 90%

Recently, the Episcopal News Service reported that in 2013 Integrity had an annual income of more than $200,000. By 2015 the organization's income plummeted to $54,574 with more than $225,000 in expenses forcing the layoff of all the paid staff and other drastic belt tightening. Integrity's income then continued to drop below $50,000 annually.

After Fry took Integrity's reigns in hand "she" attempted to rename organization calling it The Episcopal Rainbow in an attempt to highlight its Episcopal origins and plug into the highly identifiable LGBT pride rainbow scheme. However, the new moniker did not take, although Integrity's recently unveiled new website does highlight the Episcopal Church crest featuring a lower quadrant rainbow.

Integrity's newest motto is: Proclaiming God's Love in and through the Episcopal Church: Be a part of the Episcopal Rainbow.

The new website does make brief mention of Crew's passing. "Integrity USA Gives Thanks for the Life of Dr. Louie Crew Clay" the short piece is entitled.

Louie Crew is dead. He would have turned 83 on December 9. He will be judged by God.

His baby "Integrity" is basically defunct, too, but its legacy will haunt The Episcopal Church for years if not decades to come. The church may never recover from the spiritual damage inflicted by the actions of Integrity it forced upon The Episcopal Church in causing General Convention to stray from Biblical moorings into to embracing the culture of the age at all costs including one's very salvation at the expense of the heart and soul of the church.

Mary Ann Mueller is a journalist living in Texas. She is a regular contributor to VirtueOnline