LGBTQ people understand from years of experience that they are unwelcome in most congregations. Since our culture is saturated with the anti-queer rhetoric of religious leaders who claim to represent the only authentic Jewish and Christian positions on homosexuality, a congregation that seeks to become welcoming needs to state clearly and publicly its welcome in […]
A congregation interested in becoming a community of care should begin with education and compassionate dialogue. The leaders and members of a church or synagogue will need to educate themselves about sexual orientation, gender identity, and the most genuine and effective ways to integrate LGBTQ people into the life of the congregation. Throughout this process […]
Everyone can distinguish a genuine welcome from one that is half-hearted and it is not difficult for LGBTQ people to realize whether they are welcomed or not in a particular congregation. Merely posting a welcome sign or publishing a statement of acceptance does not prove, of course, that a congregation is actually welcoming and inclusive. […]
Baptist minister Rev. Jacki Belile recommends a three-fold task for congregations seeking to welcome LGBTQ people: “Take into account the depth of people’s betrayal and pain at the hands of the institutional church in all the dimensions of fellowship, preaching, teaching, and pastoral care”; Offer “significant opportunities for LGBT people to have visibility, voice and […]
“Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. Being referred to by the wrong pronouns particularly affects transgender and gender nonconforming people. Together, we can transform society to celebrate people’s multiple, intersecting identities.” (Source: International Pronouns Day website) International Pronouns Day (IPD) is celebrated every year on the […]
Click here for a video recording of this CLGS Lavender Lunch! Privileged individuals will always find ways to get the health they need, whereas this is not always the case for Black queer folks. In this online CLGS Lavender Lunch, Dr. Sylvia Rhue and Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow explore how, in this current intersectional moment, we can educate ourselves […]
LGBTQ+ Latinx Health Guide on HIV/AIDS for Faith Communities A New Bilingual Resource from The CLGS Latinx Roundtable | Fe, Familia, Igualdad This guide, the newest resource created by the CLGS Latinx Roundtable, includes information on HIV/AIDS and how it has an impact on Latinx persons, families, and faith communities. In addition, this resource – […]