Even for a faith that’s known for its come-one, come-all philosopahy, St. George Episcopal Church feels especially inclusive to Chris Hoebermann.

It’s why she asked to be installed as a deacon at the Maple Valley church after she moved back to Washington two years ago from Michigan.

The Episcopal faith is “inclusive of an especially broad spectrum of beliefs. We can agree to disagree. But this church is particularly welcoming,” Hoebermann said.

That’s what Joe Mikel likes to hear. He’s the first full-time priest in St. George’s 40-plus years. A third-generation follower of the faith, he started at St. George on a part-time basis in 2002 and has helped shepherd its growth to 120 members from Maple Valley, Covington, Ravensdale and the Renton area who attend services regularly.

The Episcopalians’ open-door policy is exactly as it’s stated, said Mikel, a third-generation follower of the faith.

“Whether people are gay or HIV-positive, conservative Republicans or very liberal Democrats, this is a home for all people, regardless of their journey to this point,” he said.

The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 7,500 congregations in the U.S. among 70 million members in 163 countries. Walking “between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are a sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful debate about what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.,” states ecusa.anglican.org, the Web site for the U.S. Episcopal Church.

Sherry Maple, one of its leaders, said St. George’s diversity is a credit to the commitment and skills of Mikel and Hoebermann.

Maple noted Mikel has a “gift” for relating to people of all ages and walks of life.

“There is truly something special about this church family,” said Maple, who has attended St. George since she and her husband “discovered” it in 2003. “My husband grew up in the Anglican faith but was not by any measure a regular. I grew up in the Baptist/Methodist faiths and have explored many others, including Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Catholicism. I’ve grown to love the Episcopal faith.”

In the past year, St. George has added new programs, including a contemporary service at 11 a.m. on Sundays and a Montessori-based Sunday school program.

The white, main church building, at 24219 Witte Road SE., has been remodeled over the years but retains a cozy atmosphere. Some of its unique features are stained-glass panels in the sanctuary windows that were made by inmates at the state prison in Monroe, and a bell in the steeple – the only one in Maple Valley, according to Mikel – that came from Germany.