How to Become a Welcoming Church

Welcome one another therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. - Romans 15:7

The Welcoming Process

As you consider how best to help your congregation or organization become Welcoming of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and families, we highly recommend that you create a planful, strategic, well-thought Welcoming Process. In order to create a good Welcoming Process, we recommend the following resource:

Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit

Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit

Drawing upon twenty five years of experience within a variety of Christian denominations, this Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help facilitate a Welcoming Process in your local congregation. Biblically and theologically based, it uses tools of relational organizing, congregational assessment, conflict management and change theory.

AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!

Building an Inclusive Church Trainings

Additionally, we highly recommend you attend a Building an Inclusive Church training which will give you the skills and resources to help you facilitate a Welcoming Process in your local congregation. For more information on the Building an Inclusive Church trainings, follow the link below.

To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations

To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations

In order to both highlight the vibrancy, faithfulness and power of the Welcoming Movement and to counter the “false witness” of those who seek to quash this movement of hospitality and justice, the Institute for Welcoming Resources surveyed pastors and leaders of 1,200 Welcoming congregations to ask them about their work and witness. Two areas emerged that warrant particular focus and celebration:

AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!

 print Bess Howard H. Pastor, I Am Gay pastorimgay.jpg Palmer, Alaska Palmer Publishing Company 1995 221 pp. 0964412306 Pastor, I Am Gay is written from the perspective of an every day working pastor. Bible scholars, theologians, sociologists, anthropologists, psychologists and politicians have filled our book shelves with books about gay persons and their place in society and church. Pastor, I am Gay is unique and stands alone. Pastor Howard Bess remembers very well that he has been given the ministry of reconciliation and has been denied the option of condemnation or rejection. The story-telling style of the book makes for good reading. The reader meets a great array of real life people with whom Pastor Bess worked, once the first parishioner came to him and simply said “Pastor, I am gay.” The book becomes a guide for church folk, who are looking for answers that are Biblical, thoughtful and compassionate. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0964412306/qid=1132164289/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-5522310-2838527?v=glance&s=books _blank print Boesser Sara L. Silent Lives: How High a Price? silentlivessm.jpg Lanham, MA Hamilton Books 2004 193 pp. 0761829687 This work combines autobiographical sources, personal interviews, and questions for reflection to explore issues relevant to everyone's sexual orientation and gender status, be they heterosexual, or gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or intersexual. Boesser examines the consequences a sexual minority person suffers when attempting to pass as heterosexual and/or as of a traditional gender expression. Boesser also looks at how society as a whole is affected when an individual is pressured to hide his/her sexual identity. Silent Lives is helpful for personal journaling and sharing with relatives and friends, and is also very useful as a college text, therapy supplement, or a catalyst for group discussions. Ten percent of the net proceeds from Silent Lives are donated by the author to Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). More about Silent Lives

Silent Lives has also been republished as a LARGE PRINT edition book. It's in 20 PT Arial Font for optimal readability. Silent Lives is also an audio book available through Learning Ally, go to the site and search in their Book Catalog with "Boesser." http://www.univpress.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=^DB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=0761829687 _blank print Comstock Gary editor A Whosoever Church: Welcoming Lesbians and Gay Men into African American Congregations whosoeverchurch.jpg Westminster John Knox Press 2001 296 pp. 0664222803 Interviews with 20 black scholars and religious leaders who speak out (from various theological perspectives) against institutional prejudice toward lesbian/gay people. The interviews are conducted in a conversational format in language that will be accessible and interesting to lay readers. https://www.ppcbooks.com/Details.asp?BookID=0664222803 _blank print Fishburn Janet editor People of a Compassionate God: Creating Welcoming Congregations Nashville Abingdon Press 2003 214 pp. 0687023426 A comprehensive introduction to how congregations implement change around issues of greater inclusiveness and openness. Many congregations are facing accelerated change in the communities to whom they minister. Responding to these changes means welcoming persons of different ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientation into the full fellowship of the church. As anyone who has lived through such a transition can attest, opening the life of the congregation to this kind of diversity can be a traumatic, destabilizing time. In order to help churches who follow this difficult route, Janet Fishburn and the contributors to this volume have engaged in a strenuous study of congregations that have consciously chosen to become more open and affirming toward segments of the population that are different than the church's current membership. Using theological, educational, and sociological tools, they seek to understand how congregations succeed in consciously becoming open and affirming of diversity and how they fail. http://www.abingdonpress.com/search.aspx?scope=all&query=people%20of%20a%20compassionate&pid=0687023246 _blank print Flunder Yvette A. Where the Edge Gathers: Building a Community of Radical Inclusion wheretheedgegathers.jpg Cleveland Pilgrim Press 2005 144 pp. 0829816380 Reflections on creating, sustaining, celebrating community and powerful sermons preached in community by the pastor of City of Refuge UCC in San Francisco. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0829816380/qid=1140067424/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9871044-1994548?s=books&v=glance&n=283155 _blank print Gaede Beth Ann Congregations Talking about Homosexuality: Dialogue On A Difficult Issue congregationstalking.jpg Herndon, VA Alban Institute 1999 151 pp. 1566991986 Gaede skillfully weaves together the stories of many congregations and how they faced and dealt with the issue of homosexuality. A helpful resource for assisting congregations that seek to engage in dialogue about one of the most difficult faith issues today, the book does not take a theological stand, but rather draws on the experiences of others who have struggled with how to address this issue from a position of respect for all views. http://www.alban.org/BookDetails.asp?ID=979 _blank print Geis Sally B. Donald E. Messer editors Caught in the Crossfire: Helping Christians Debate Homosexuality caughtinthecrossfire.jpg Nashville Abingdon Press 1994 206 pp. 0687095247 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0687095247/qid=1140066175/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9871044-1994548?s=books&v=glance&n=283155 _blank print Griffin Horace L. Their Own Receive Them Not: African American Lesbians & Gays in Black Churches theirown.jpg Cleveland The Pilgrim Press 2006 240 pp. 9780829815993 Griffin provides a historical overview and critical analysis of the black church and its current engagement with lesbian and gay Christians, and shares ways in which black churches can learn to reach out and confront all types of oppression – not just race – in order to do the work of the black community. http://www.rlpgbooks.com/Catalog/SingleBook.shtml?command=Search&db=^DB/CATALOG.db&eqSKUdata=1578862671 _blank print United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns ONA Keeping Our Word of Welcome Cleveland United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns 2005 77 pp. In response to the question, "Now that we're Open and Affirming (ONA), what do we do?" This seventy-five page publication offers ideas about outreach, education, and celebration from ONA settings around the country. Includes an extensive resource section. http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank print Lerner Rabbi Michael The Left Hand of God: Taking Our Country Back From the Religious Right lefthand.jpg San Francisco HarperSanFrancisco 2006 416 pp. 0060842474 The unholy alliance of the Political Right and the Religious Right threatens to destroy the America we love. It also threatens to generate a popular aversion to God and religion by identifying religious values with a pro-war, pro-business, pro-rich, anti-science, and anti-environmental stance. Yet, however distorted both the Right's analysis and its solutions to America's spiritual crisis may be, it wins allegiance by addressing the human hunger for a life with some higher purpose. The Left, by contrast, remains largely tone-deaf to the spiritual needs of the American people. It is the yearning for meaning in life, not just the desire for money or power, that lies at the core of American politics. Addressing the central mystery of contemporary politics - why so many Americans vote against their own economic interests - The Left Hand of God provides an invaluable, timely, and blunt critique of the current state of faith in government. Lerner challenges the Left to give up its deeply held fear of religion and to distinguish between a domination-oriented, Right-Hand-of-God tradition and a more compassionate and hope-oriented Left-Hand-of-God worldview. Further, Lerner describes the ways that Democrats have misunderstood and alienated significant parts of their potential constituency. To succeed again, Lerner argues, the Democratic Party must rethink its relationship to God, champion a progressive spiritual vision, reject the old bottom line that promotes the globalization of selfishness, and deal head-on with the very real spiritual crisis that many Americans experience every day. Lerner presents a vision that incorporates and then goes far beyond contemporary liberal and progressive politics. He argues for a new bottom line in our economy, schools, and government. This is a fundamentally fresh approach, one that takes spiritual needs seriously in our economic and political lives. Presenting an eight-point progressive spiritual covenant with America, Lerner provides a blueprint for how the Democratic Party can effectively challenge the Right and position itself to win the White House and Congress. By appealing to religious, secular, and spiritual but not necessarily religious people, The Left Hand of God blazes a trail that could change our world and reclaim America from the Religious Right. http://www.harpercollins.com/global_scripts/product_catalog/book_xml.asp?isbn=0060842474 _blank print Oliveto Karen editor Enfold: a Reconciling Congregation Explores What it Means to Welcome All People enfold.jpg San Francisco Bethany United Methodist Church 1997 108 pp. A collection of essays written by the congregation about their experiences in becoming a Reconciling Congregation within the United Methodist Church. http://www.bethanysf.org/aboutus.html _blank print United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns ONA Open and Affirming: What Does It Mean To Us? Cleveland United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns 1995 11 pp. A response to frequent questions about the meaning of being "affirming," this resource provides opportunity for seventeen lesbian, bisexual, and gay United Church of Christ members to speak for themselves about what it means to be affirmed by local churches. http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank print United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns ONA Open and Affirming: Yes It Matters! Cleveland United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns 2005 58 pp. If you (or others you know) have ever wondered if the Open and Affirming movement matters, if it makes any difference when it comes to sharing the good news of Christ or shaping the lives of individuals and faith communities, this is a must-read! More than fifty UCC folks share how ONA has blessed and challenged them and their settings in the UCC. http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank print Oliveto Karen P., Traci W. West Kelly Turney Talking About Homosexuality: A Congregational Resource talkinghomosexuality.jpg Cleveland Pilgrim Press 2005 160 pp. 0829816135 Part of the Holy Conversations series. http://thepilgrimpress.com/product_detail.taf?site_uid1=9&hallway_uid1=38&search_id=&catalog_uid1=847&link_type_uid1=&person_id=&u_currency_id=190&_UserReference=8BCF461BCA3AC97B4356CB6C _blank print Pohl Christine D. Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition Grand Rapids, MI Eedrmans Publishing 1999 205 pp. 0802844316 Although hospitality was central to Christian identity and practice in earlier centuries, our generation knows little about its life-giving character. Making Room revisits the Christian foundations of welcoming strangers and explores the necessity, difficulty, and blessing of hospitality today. Combining rich biblical and historical research with extensive exposure to contemporary Christian communities - the Catholic Worker, L'Abri, L'Arche, and others - this book shows how understanding the key features of hospitality can better equip us to faithfully carry out the practical call of the gospel. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802844316/qid=1139330950/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-9871044-1994548?s=books&v=glance&n=283155 _blank print Polaski LeDayne McLeese Millard Eiland editors Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth rightlydividing.gif Charlotte, NC Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America 2005 264 pp. Developed to assist clergy and lay leaders in leading a healthy and respectful congregational dialogue on the most difficult task of discernment facing the church in our time,Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth features wisdom distilled from 13 congregations who have undertaken this dialogue. Other materials include articles focused on Bible study and theological reflection, as well as scientific/medical and psychological studies. Stories from gay and lesbian Christians and their families are included, as well as from congregations who have struggled with the questions of sexual orientation and Christian faith. An extensive annotates bibliography encourages further exploration. http://www.allianceofbaptists.org/resources.htm _blank print Tigert Leanne McCall editors Coming Out While Staying In: Struggles and Celebrations of Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals in the Church comingoutstayingin.jpg Cleveland United Church Press 1996 178 pp. 0-8298-1150-8 Coming Out While Staying In reflects the author's personal struggle with the church as the source of pain and alienation-as well as support and spiritual renewal. Leanne Tigert plumbs the depths of social and psychological dynamics within the local church to identify the systems that perpetuate this tension, then develops a theology of liberation with the power to transform congregations into communities of justice. Tigert takes seriously the homophobia evident within the church today, and provides a voice of hope for those who experience oppression as gay, lesbian, and bisexual Christians. Through candid stories of her own and others' struggles with the doctrines of mainline denominations and their stance on the issue of sexuality, the author hopes to open the door to change, healing, and liberation for homosexuals and bisexuals, as well as heterosexuals. Study questions are provided to stimulate individual reflection and group discussion. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0829811508/102-5522310-2838527?v=glance&n=283155&s=books&v=glance _blank print Waun Maurine C. More Than Welcome: Learning to Embrace Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Persons in the Church more.jpg Atlanta Chalice Press 1999 153 pp. 0827223250 As an outspoken advocate, [Waun] articulates the tremendous opportunity for the church to fill the spiritual needs of those who have been marginalized or even condemned. Her story is a compelling witness both to those in the lesbitransgay community and all who stand with them. - The Other Side http://www.cbp21.com/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=2025 _blank online Thomas John H. editors Contemporary Commitment and Catholic Substance John H. Thomas, Assistant to the President for Ecumenical Concerns UCC jhthomas.htm _self online Hoffman Rev. Joe editors It's Time for This to Change The Rev. Joe Hoffman, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Asheville, NC made the announcement in his Sunday morning sermon (Feb. 19, 2006) in an effort to treat his gay and lesbian parishioners the same as heterosexuals - a move that he believes is a first in this area. hoffman021906.htm _self online Harris Rev. Sally editors Prodigal God: Love Beyond Boundaries Rev. Sally Harris, Trinity United Church, Vancouver, BC, Canada, March 21, 2004. prodigalgod.htm _self print United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns ONA Preach Out! Cleveland United Church of Christ Board for Homeland Ministries 2001 50 pp. A collection of nine Open and Affirming Sermons of the United Church of Christ for congregational dialogue and pastoral inspiration. Published in cooperation with The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns. http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank online editors Out In Scripture - An Honest Enounter Between Our Lives and the Bible Whether you're a minister who has felt called to preach sermons faithful to the Bible and the authentic lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, or you're looking for a devotional resource that will deepen your spiritual practice and honor GLBT lives, you'll want to get this resource. Guided by the Revised Common Lectionary, a listing of Bible passages for the church year, Out In Scripture features thoughtful commentaries written and reviewed by some of the most respected scholars from around the country and across the variety of Christian denominations. http://www.hrc.org/scripture _blank print Osterman Mary Jo editor Claiming the Promise: An Ecumenical Welcoming Bible Study Resource on Homosexuality claiming.gif UMC Reconciling Congregation Program 1998 A 7-session Bible study curriculum on homosexuality; discusses biblical authority, interpretation, "gracious hospitality", "Gift-ed sexuality", spirituality, right relationships, ethics and discipleship. https://s.p3.hostingprod.com/@www.rmnetwork.org/ssl/order/order.html _blank print United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns ONA Open and Affirming (ONA) Study Packet Cleveland United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns 1997 10 pockets A seven-session study packet for use in local congregations. Prepared by the Open and Affirming Task Team of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC, and the UCC Coalition. Materials on sexual orientation, youth issues (video included), family and relationships, heterosexism, homophobia, scriptural interpretation, the ONA process in the local church, and more. This packet includes both the Bisexuality Pocket and the Transgender Pocket (also available separately). http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank print Turney Kelly Shaping Sanctuary: Proclaiming God's Grace in an Inclusive Church shaping.gif Chicago Welcoming Church Movement 2000 424 pp. 0970156804 A collection of justice-oriented worship resources including essays, sermons, liturgies and hymns gathered from ten denominations. A diversity of voices and a study guide make this an effective tool for those exploring a theology that affirms the diversity of human sexuality and the worship implications of God's incarnation in the world. http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank print Lutherans Concerned/North America RIC Shared Congregational Conversation Around Homosexuality shconcon.gif Saint Paul Lutherans Concerned/North America 2000 40 pp. This 6 session adult education course for discussing a difficult topic was developed by the Lutherans Concerned Reconciling In Christ program. http://infox.lcna.org _blank online editors Bi-101: Some Basics about Bisexuality From the Unitarian Universalist Office for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns http://www.uua.org/obgltc/resource/bi101.html _blank online editors Finishing the Journey: Questions and Answers from United Methodists of Conviction Commissioned for General Conference delegates, this church project collected the stories and essays of 15 United Methodists addressing the issue of homosexuality and the church. http://www.northaven.org/publish.html _blank online editors Peace Building in a Time of Cultural War From the American Friends Service Committee. http://www.afsc.org/build-peace/messages.htm _blank online editors Resources for Churches on Welcome and Inclusion of People of Color, People with Disabilities, and LGBT Persons Part of the United Church of Christ's God Is Still Speaking program. Bible Study, personal stories, and worship resources for congregations wishing to make the connections between an extravagant welcome of GLBT people and welcoming people of color and people with disabilities. http://www.stillspeaking.com/resources/giss-to-everyone.pdf _blank online editors A Biblical Basis for Reconciling Ministries Resource paper from the "Reconciling Congregation Program: A Biblical Basis for Reconciling Ministries" http://www.rmnetwork.org/papers/resource1.pdf _blank online editors How to Become a Reconciling Congregation Resource paper from the "Reconciling Congregation Program: A Biblical Basis for Reconciling Ministries" http://www.rmnetwork.org/papers/resource2.pdf _blank online editors Why Become a Reconciling Congregation Resource paper from the "Reconciling Congregation Program: A Biblical Basis for Reconciling Ministries" http://www.rmnetwork.org/papers/resource3.pdf _blank online editors Answers to Commonly Asked Questions Resource paper from the "Reconciling Congregation Program: A Biblical Basis for Reconciling Ministries" http://www.rmnetwork.org/papers/resource4.pdf _blank online editors More Light On... More Light Concise document on how and why to become a More Light congregation. Part of More Light Presbyterians' "More Light On..." series. One-sheet handouts, great for teachers and information tables. http://mlp.org/staticpages/resources/MLonML.pdf _blank online editors Developing More Light Ministry An overview from More Light Presbyterians. http://mlp.org/staticpages/resources/packet/devMLmin.pdf _blank online editors New Possibilities Workshop A seminar outline with the goal to move participants to understand how sexism and heterosexism limit possibilities for personal growth and interpersonal relationship for all individuals, regardless or gender or sexual orientation. From More Light Presbyterians. http://mlp.org/staticpages/resources/packet/collins.pdf _blank online editors More Light: What Difference Does it Make? By members of the Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns Internet Mailing List, written for churches that consider themselves to be already committed to inclusivity but are wondering how making a public statement and affiliating with the More Light movement would make a difference for their congregation. http://mlp.org/staticpages/resources/mldiff.html _blank online editors How Churches Engage in More Light Ministry Focusing on education, communication, and ministry. From More Light Presbyterians. http://mlp.org/staticpages/resources/packet/engage.pdf _blank online editors Sample Study Reports and "More Light" Declaration Statements Outlining the thought processes and conclusions of several Presbyterian congregations engaging in the More Light program. http://mlp.org/staticpages/index.php?page=welcoming _blank online editors More Light Presbyterians Sermon Archive From More Light Presbyterians. http://www.mlp.org/staticpages/index.php?page=sermons _blank online editors Queer 102 From the Unitarian Universalist Office for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns http://www.uua.org/obgltc/resource/queer102.html _blank online editors Transgender 102 From the Unitarian Universalist Office for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns http://www.uua.org/obgltc/resource/tg102.html _blank multimedia Lutherans Concerned/North America editors RIC: It's About Being Church itsabout.gif Saint Paul Lutherans Concerned/North America 2005 30 min. A forum-length video which features the stories of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied Lutherans and their experiences with the Reconciling in Christ Program. Participants include pastors, lay persons, and two ELCA Bishops. The film also documents the RIC process. This video provides an excellent resource for individuals, congregations, and organizations considering coming out of the closet about welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. It also is a great refresher for churches wishing to renew their interest in RIC. VHS http://infox.lcna.org/ _blank multimedia editors Open and Affirming (ONA): A Journey of Faith Cleveland UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns 2004 0:56 This 56-minute video shares the struggles three congregations experience as they go through the Open and Affirming (ONA) process. A 72-page resource book is included. VHS http://www.ucccoalition.org/resources/ona.html _blank multimedia editors Project Hearts & Minds - Video Interview and Study Guide Series San Jose More Light Presbyterians/PFLAG 2004 30 min. Project Hearts & Minds is a series of 30-minute video interviews, filmed in a TV talk-show format, with LGBT people and allies who speak about their families, their activism, and their lives. The shows are discussion-starters that you can use within your congregation, your family, or your circle of friends to open a conversation about LGBT inclusion and equality in America. Each volume of interviews ships with a printed facilitator's guide which includes discussion questions suitable for a church adult education class or other formal group setting. VHS http://www.mlp.org/heartsandminds _blank multimedia editors This is My Story Saint Paul Lutherans Concerned/North America revised 2004 22 min. A powerful tool for individuals, congregations or groups to learn the need for more understanding and information about gay and lesbian people in their church. This video is available in a personal edition or a congregational edition for study groups. Study guide available. VHS http://infox.lcna.org/ _blank multimedia editors Unlearning Homophobia Series (three shorts: Straight From the Heart - All God's Children - De Colores). sm-unhdvdlogo.jpg Woman Vision and EyeBite Productions 2004 78 min. Unlearning Homophobia Series DVD, a one-disc compilation of three groundbreaking films - Straight from the Heart, All God's Children, and De Colores. Each of the documentaries tackles the emotional issue of discrimination's effect on American families, communities, and churches. For a full description of each file, go to: UnlearningHomophobia.com DVD https://mmm1911.dulles19-verio.com/womanv/orderform.htm _blank welcoming editors First Grace United Church of Christ Akron, Ohio

We are an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation.

  • If you are Asian, Hispanic, Black, or White
  • If you are male or female or transgender
  • If you are three days old, thirty years old, or 103 years old
  • If you've never stepped foot in church, or if you are Buddhist, Roman Catholic, agnostic, or a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ or its predecessors
  • If you are single, married, divorced, separated, or partnered
  • If you are straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual
  • If you are Republican, Democrat, Independent, Socialist, or not registered to vote
  • If you have, or had, addictions, phobias, abortions, or a criminal record
  • If you own your home, rent, live with your parents, or are homeless
  • If you are fully-abled, disabled, or a person with differing abilities...

You are welcome here!

This congregation is committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Therefore, in faithfulness to the Gospel, the United Church of Christ, and First Grace United Church of Christ, "We will not discriminate against any person, group, or organization on the basis of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, faith, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, or physical, mental, or emotional disability." To the best of our ability, we promise to minister, provide pastoral care and programs to all who seek God in this place.

 _blank welcoming editors Church of the Beatitudes Phoenix, AZ September 2000

We acknowledge that throughout history the Christian church has often condemned and excluded people because of race, culture, age, gender, economic status, disability or sexual orientation. While the church has made progress in being open and affirming to many groups, there continues to be condemnation of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons from the community of faith, or at least, a tolerance of such condemnation and exclusion through silence. We believe such actions are inconsistent with Christ's teachings. Church of the Beatitudes is a community of faith-keeping and faith-seeking people who affirm that every person has worth as a unique creation made in the image of God. We recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming into the full life and ministry of the church persons of every race, culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and economic status. We commit to model a community of faith and spirit that works toward openness and understanding, offering justice, healing and wholeness of life for all people. We believe that through our diversity, all can grow and practice a unity of faith that transcends our differences.

 _blank welcoming editors St. Paul's United Church of Christ St. Paul, MN January 2000

We, the Congregation of St. Paul's United Church of Christ, declare ourselves to be open and affirming. With God's grace, we seek to be a congregation that includes all persons, embracing differences of sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age, mental and physical ability, as well as racial, ethnic, or social-economic background. We welcome all to share in the life and leadership, ministry, and fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in our congregation.

 _blank welcoming editors Little River United Church of Christ Annandale, VA October 2001

Little River United Church of Christ is an open and affirming church, embracing diversity in our congregation and community, and affirming the dignity and worth of every person created in the image of God. We continue to honor our founding principle that discrimination is incompatible with Christ's Gospel of unconditional love. We welcome into full membership and participation in the Body of Christ persons of every race, language, age, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, economic or marital status, and faith background. We affirm and celebrate all loving and committed relationships. We acknowledge the history of the institutional church in condemning and excluding gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, and in condoning such discrimination by its silence. We commit ourselves to work diligently to end such oppression and discrimination. Following the example of Jesus Christ, we hereby declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming Church.

 _blank welcoming editors Kanaana Hou - Siloama, United Church of Christ Kalaupapa, HI March 1998

We the members of Kanaana Hou-Siloama United Church of Christ believe God's Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ call us to love our neighbors as we would want to be loved. Jesus teaches us to welcome all God's children into God's covenantal community. We welcome our gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender sisters and brothers to join with us in hearing Jesus' call to share God's love in the full life, ministry and witness of our struggle for justice and peace. We believe God loves us all and calls us into community to covenant with one another to share the good news of God's love. In covenant, as members of Christ's church, we celebrate God's love for people of different race, gender, age, sexual orientation, faith, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical disability, mental and emotional disability. We the members of Kanaana Hou-Siloama United Church of Christ pray our sister churches will work with us to invite all God's children into our "na ohana" (families). We believe it is time for our churches to open their doors to the movement of God's Holy Spirit to be open and affirming of all people.

 _blank welcoming editors Immanuel United Church of Christ Catonsville, MD March 2001

"...in Christ there is no longer Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one..." (Galatians 3:28)

In the spirit of Paul's words in Galatians we recognize, celebrate, and give thanks for the diversity in which God created us, each in God's image and loved by God. We deplore the continuing injustice of institutionalized discrimination, instances of senseless violence and denial of human rights based on sexual orientation. The church is called to confront discrimination, to oppose violence and to advocate for human rights for all persons. With this declaration we remember God's promise spoken through the prophet Hosea,"I will show love to those who were called unloved and to those who were called 'not-my-people' - I will say 'you are my people,' and they will answer 'you are our God.' (Hosea 2:23) As such we declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming congregation, welcoming into full membership, in accordance with the By-laws1, and participation in Immanuel United Church of Christ persons of every age, gender, culture, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability and economic status. We encourage all members to participate and share talents and energy in the worship, work and witness of the congregation. By full participation we would include as examples the following:

  1. 1. The celebration of unions for same-sex couples (Holy Unions);
  2. 2. Service as teachers for Christian Education classes and leaders of youth activities;
  3. 3. Participation in all committees, and service in all offices;
  4. 4. Equal consideration for all employment opportunities.

We believe human sexuality is God's good gift. We affirm committed relationships and partnerships founded on mutual trust, respect, responsibility, nurture and love. As followers of Christ we seek by this affirmation to be faithful to his commandment, "love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:1)1. Article IV. Section B., Part 1., Membership: "The reception of members into the fellowship of the Congregation is to be in accordance with the basic requirements of the denomination, namely: baptized persons may become members of the congregation through confirmation, profession of faith or letter of transfer.

 _blank welcoming editors Asbury United Methodist Church Charleston, WV The people of Asbury are called to share God’s love as we minister with and to all persons in the community where the church is located and beyond, providing worship, nurture, fellowship, and service. Our welcome knows no boundaries of age, race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, economic condition, physical or mental ability. We embrace and seek to preserve the beautiful, amazing diversity of God's creation. We cooperate in ministry with other local churches and groups of God’s people as we participate in the worldwide mission of Christ. _blank welcoming editors Williston Federated Church (United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ) Williston, VT

The Williston Federated Church embraces Jesus' message that God loves and accepts every person. Jesus calls us to the ministry of reconciliation and grace. Therefore, we invite and welcome all persons of every age, gender identity, racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, marital or socioeconomic status, nationality, physical or mental ability into full participation in the life of this faith community. We are committed to the reconciliation of all persons as children of God and declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming, Reconciling Congregation.

 _blank welcoming editors First United Methodist Church Corvallis, OR This church is a Reconciling Congregation and welcomes all persons into full participation in the life of the congregation regardless of age, sex, racial or ethnic background, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental condition and is devoted to the reconciliation of all persons as children of God. _blank welcoming editors Lexington United Methodist Church Lexington, MA

Our Reconciling Intention

All persons are individuals of sacred worth. We affirm Jesus' example of love without reservation and covenant to deal compassionately and justly with each other. Therefore, this inclusive and nurturing community of faith will continue to welcome all persons of any age, gender, race, ethnic origin, economic reality, family status, sexual orientation, diverse ability or social standing as full participants in the life and work of this reconciling congregation.

 _blank welcoming editors First United Methodist Church Vermillion, SD

The Vermillion First United Methodist church is a church dedicated to reaching out to all God’s Children.. As a United Methodist church we are proud to be a church with open hearts, open minds, and open doors and we invite you to become a part of God’s amazing grace through our church family!

Our church is a very active church with many places for people of all ages: families, children, youth, college students, adults, senior citizens, and more—-you all have a place here in the Vermillion United Methodist Church.

As a church we are proud to celebrate diversity as we work hard to be an inclusive church dedicated to including and reaching out to all people regardless or race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.

 _blank welcoming editors St. John's United Methodist Church Lubbock, TX

We affirm that through God's redeeming love for all, we are one in Christ. We respect the inherent and valuable contributions each member makes to the Body of Christ. We celebrate our diversity and recognize the sacred worth and dignity of all persons regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, age, ethnicity, physical or mental capacity, education, or economic or marital status.

As we journey toward reconciliation, we proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination within the church. We welcome all persons to full participation in the life and ministries of St. John's United Methodist Church.

At the same time, we recognize that there remain differences of opinion among us. We do not seek to erase our differences. We welcome all in our journey together in faith toward greater understanding and mutual respect.

As a Reconciling Congregation, we believe that we are being reconciled to God and to one another.

"All this is from God, who reconciled us . . . through Christ, and who gives us the ministry of reconciliation." II Corinthians 5:18.

 _blank welcoming editors Broad Street United Methodist Church Columbus, OH Broad Street UMC is a diverse community welcoming persons of all ages, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, family configurations, economic abilities, and mental and physical capacities. People with and without homes are welcome, as are guests from out of town and off the street. _blank online editors What Every Parish Can Do From the Catholic Gay and Lesbian Family Ministry whateveryparish.pdf _blank print Jacobsen Dennis A. Doing Justice: Congregations and Community Organizing doingjustice.jpg Minneapolis Augsburg Fortress 2001 140 pp. 0800632443 Doing Justice is an introductory theology of congregation-based community organizing rooted in the day-to-day struggles and hopes of urban ministry and in the author's 14 years of personal experience in community organizing ministries. Drawing from the organizing principles of Saul Alinsky, Jacobsen weaves the theological and biblical warrants for community organizing into concrete strategies for achieving justice in the public arena. Designed to be used by congregations and church leaders, as well as by ministerial students, Doing Justice opens new vistas for community action in support of the poor, the disadvantaged, and the disenfranchised of our society. http://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/item.jsp?isbn=0800632443&clsid=125689&productgroupid=0 _blank print Hyde Sue Come Out and Win: Organizing Yourself, Your Community, and Your World comeoutandwin.jpg Boston Beacon Press 2007 208 pp. 0807079723 Come Out and Win will educate, engage, and agitate LGBT and straight activists to become involved in the political movement to win full equality under the law and sexual/gender freedom. Spurring a new generation of activists to positive social action, it not only tells the history of gay liberation but, crucially, offers guidance and practical advice for building organizations and taking concrete action to eradicate homophobia. From starting a gay-straight alliance in your high school to the most effective way to lobby your state representative face-to-face, Come Out and Win explains how to organize and become politically engaged in a clear and user-friendly manner. Other issues explored include youth organizing, marriage equality, legislative change, public relations, having a voice in the mainstream press, putting on a street demonstration, and political organizing from local to national levels. Grappling with the complexity of grassroots political interactions, Come Out and Win suggests ways for LGBT communities to form coalitions with women's organizations, communities of color, and faith communities. http://www.beacon.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=1853 _blank online editors Gender Identity & Our Faith Communities A Congregational Guide for Transgender Advocacy http://www.hrc.org/documents/Gender-Identity-and-our-Faith-Communities_2008-12.pdf _blank print Russell William D. editor Homosexual Saints: The Community of Christ Experience homosexualsaints.gif Ann Arbor John Whitmer Books 2008 276 pp. 1934901059 Members of Community of Christ (formerly the RLDS church) have polarized opinions concerning the status of their fellow members who are homosexual. The two major issues are priesthood ordination (in a predominantly lay church) and whether the church will marry and bless same-sex weddings. Homosexual Saints explores these issues with twenty-four narratives that explain the experience of gay and lesbian members of Community of Christ, as well as the experiences of their family members and supporters. The volume includes a detailed history of the status of homosexuals in the church since 1954, and a preface by celebrated Mormon historian D. Michael Quinn. http://www.johnwhitmerbooks.com/books/title_details.asp?title=6 _blank online editors Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit Drawing upon twenty five years of experience within a variety of Christian denominations, this Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help facilitate a Welcoming Process in your local congregation. Biblically and theologically based, it uses tools of relational organizing, congregational assessment, conflict management and change theory. welcomingtoolkit.pdf _blank online editors To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations In order to both highlight the vibrancy, faithfulness and power of the Welcoming Movement and to counter the "false witness" of those who seek to quash this movement of hospitality and justice, the Institute for Welcoming Resources surveyed pastors and leaders of 1,200 Welcoming congregations to ask them about their work and witness. Two areas emerged that warrant particular focus and celebration: (1) successfully completing a Welcoming Process makes a congregation more likely to work and witness on other justice issues, and (2) congregations that directly engage the question of welcoming LGBT persons have low levels of conflict. To_Do_Justice.pdf _blank print Love Joshua Uncommon Hope: A DVD Enhanced Curriculum Reflecting the Heart of the Church for People Affected by HIV/AIDS UncommonHope.jpg Bloomington, IN Trafford Publishing 2009 208 pp. 1426901909 Uncommon Hope offers a dynamic, small-group curriculum designed to support people of faith in answering God's call to end the silence and inaction magnifying the human suffering and death wrought by HIV and AIDS. Whether your church or faith-based organization is just beginning to engage in HIV/AIDS ministry or has a long history in the work, Uncommon Hope provides tools and experiences to foster the development of spiritual responses that are authentic to your community, consistent with the core teachings of all major faith traditions, and respectful of the rich diversity reflected in the lives most impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Uncommon Hope is open to and inclusive of all people living with HIV and AIDS, whether they are infected in the body or affected as concerned and caring community members. The program is a progressive, multi-unit curriculum packaged in six chapters, each comprising a combination of educational tools, engaged learning, public action, and social support. Participants are afforded the opportunity to acquire new skills and insight at each stage of the process: Awareness, Truths, Radical Change, and Inspiration.

For more information, call 1-866-HOPE MCC (4673-622). http://www.amazon.com/Uncommon-Hope-Enhanced-Curriculum-Reflecting/dp/1426901909/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259873091&sr=8-1-spell _blank multimedia Alston Macky editors The Truth will Set You Free truthwillsetyoufree.jpg The Truth Will Set You Free focuses on Bishop Gene Robinson and a host of others whose lives hang in the balance of the church/state battles for LGBT equality. In Development http://hartleyfoundation.org/en/truth-will-set-you-free _blank multimedia Walton Pam editors Call to Witness Rev_Phyllis_Zillhart1_200w.jpg Mountain View, CA Pam Walton Productions 2000 59 Minutes Call to Witness focuses on three extraordinary people who are willing to put their lives on the line for what they believe in. The Lutheran pastors in Call to Witness and the congregations that support them want to open not only their pews but also their pulpits to all people, including gay men and lesbians. Call to Witness is an excellent discussion starter and makes an important contribution to any religious or lgbt studies curricula. A Discussion Guide is available for download. DVD & VHS http://www.pamwaltonproductions.com/call2witness.shtml _blank online editors Many Voices - Sharing Ways to Welcome in Faith Many Voices is committed to engaging clergy and congregations as they seek to welcome gay and transgender people and their families. Through on-line conversations, liturgies, songs, stories and more, faithful people can move forward in welcoming God's diverse humanity. http://www.manyvoices.org/ _blank