We Are A Welcoming Congregation

The Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely volunteer program for congregations that see a need to become more inclusive toward bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender (BGLT) people. It consists of a series of workshops developed by the UUA. The goal of the workshops is to reduce prejudice by increasing understanding and acceptance among people of different sexual orientations.

For more information see the UUA Welcoming Congregation Program website.

As a Welcoming Congregation and a loving Community we will continue to:

Create a safe and affirming environment for BGLT persons:

• Members, friends, and the minister are encouraged to engage in ongoing dialogue about sexual and affectional orientation issues in order to develop deeper understanding and trust,
• Not tolerate derogatory remarks towards gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual persons.
• Be aware of their assumptions about another’s sexual or affectional orientation.
• Become more accepting of affectionate and caring expressions between people, regardless of sexual orientation.
• Talk to those who are possibly uninformed about sexual and affectional orientation issues or less exposed to gay, lesbian, transgendered or bisexual persons and, therefore, may have strong reservations about our being a Welcoming Congregation.

Foster an open and inclusive congregational life:

• Religious education leaders are asked to create an atmosphere in which youth who are gay, lesbian, transgendered, bisexual, or questioning feel safe and feel free to discuss their concerns.
• A Rainbow Banner or other outward symbol is displayed to symbolize gay pride, diversity, and the acceptance of people of all sexual and affectional orientations.
• Religious ceremonies are provided without regard to the sexual or affectional orientation of the participants.
• Social events and activities are organized to accept and be respectful of people of all sexual and affectional orientations.
• Church leaders, including the Minister, religious education staff and volunteer teachers, are chosen without regard to sexual or affectional orientation.
• Worship services are designed to be reflective of the concerns of people of all sexual and affectional orientations.

Work for rights and dignity in the larger community:

• The congregation engages in affirmative outreach to people who are gay, lesbian, transgendered or bisexual.
• The congregation actively publicizes to the larger community that we are a Welcoming Congregation.
• Friends, members and groups within the congregation will speak out against homophobia and for compassion in human relations.