Congregation & Family Resources

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52 Ways #11: Share Your Space (Including Virtual Space!)

Many communities of faith have the blessing of having their own spaces for worship, education, and other programs. Sometimes that gift goes underutilized and is empty for parts of the day or week.  One way to expand your welcome and put your physical – and virtual – space to good use is to make your […]

52 Ways #9: Offer a Genuine Welcome at the Door

When Janet was visiting a church for the first time, they asked the greeter where they could find a restroom.  The greeter responded by asking, in a friendly voice, if Janet would prefer the men’s room, the women’s room, or the gender-neutral restroom.  This told Janet immediately that this church was ready and welcoming of […]

Trans Day of Visibility Toolkit for Congregations with Rev. Jakob Hero-Shaw

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Click here for a video recording of this CLGS Transgender Roundtable Event! Trans Day of Visibility (TDoV) is celebrated on this year on 31 March 2024, and in interactive this workshop we explored the meaning and importance of TDoV and explore how to bring a full celebration of TDoV to your own religious/spiritual community. In this workshop […]

52 Ways #8: Welcome and Support LGBTQ Seniors

Seniors are important members of our faith communities, attending services, volunteering, contributing to committees and much more. There are also many ways our congregations support older adults in need—visiting those who are shut-in or in nursing homes, offering social gatherings and support groups, providing meals and more. The Diverse Elders Coalition notes that there are […]

52 Ways #7: Fully Incorporate LGBTQ People in Your Preaching and Teaching

If LGBTQ people are to truly be able to apply the messages that are preached and taught in our communities of faith, we, like all people, need to hear words that are relevant to our lives. That means using examples and concepts that include people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. This is vital […]

52 Ways #6: Learn More about LGBTQ People in your Community

Take some time and learn more about LGBTQ people, especially those in your local community. It is important to understand the joys and challenges that the community experiences beyond the stereotypes. Recognize that there are people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in every racial and cultural group. Do some investigation: Find and explore […]