WELCOMING CONGREGATION

In keeping with our covenant in which we affirm

• To dwell together in peace,
• To seek the truth in love, and
• To help one another

And in accord with Unitarian Universalist principles in which member congregations covenant to affirm and promote

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person,
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations,
• Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations, and
• A free and responsible search for truth and meaning

UUCC is proud to be a Welcoming Congregation

UUCC members affirmed their commitment to explore becoming a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation at the June 8, 2003 congregational meeting. The program kicked off successfully on September 21, 2003 with an exciting sermon delivered by Rev. Keith Kron from the UUA and Rev. Tim Kutzmark. There were many workshops and programs offered for the entire congregation to participate in that provided participants an opportunity to explore thoughts, feelings and current knowledge about sexual orientation (homosexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality) and gender identification (transgender).

The program was on hiatus for a year while the congregation focused on a search for a new minister. After concluding that search with the hiring of Rev. Nancy, the program was reinvigorated in September 2005, with the goal of finishing the program and becoming an official Welcoming Congregation. 

At the congregational meeting on May 21, 2006, the members of UUCC voted to affirm our commitment to the equality and the celebration of the GLBTQ community by becoming a Welcoming Congregation.

Our Commitment 

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

Create a safe and affirming environment for GLBTQ persons

• Members, and friends, and the minister are encouraged to:
  • Engage in ongoing dialogues 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.
• Religious education programming for children, youth, and adults inclusively addresses issues relating to human sexuality and sexual and affectional orientation, in an age appropriate manner.
• 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. 

What is a Welcoming Congregation?

The Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely volunteer program for congregations that see a need to become more inclusive towards bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender 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.

What is Interweave?

Interweave is a membership organization affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. It is dedicated to the spiritual, political, and social well-being of Unitarian Universalists who are confronting oppression as lesbians, gay men, bisexual persons, transgender persons, and heterosexual allies. It celebrates the culture and lives of its members. Interweave membership is open to all interested UUs of any sexual or affectional orientation.  The UUCC Interweave contact is Leslie Trew.