The Rainbow Initiative was founded by Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) in order to focus specific attention on LGBTQ+ people who have fled their homelands in search of safety. Its goals are to ensure that everything EMM does is fully welcoming of LGBTQ+ people, and to build and resource international networks of partners dedicated to providing visibility and direct aid to LGBTQ+ newcomers. Currently, EMM's network of Rainbow Initiative Congregations and Communities (RICs) includes 28 members throughout the United States and in Europe.