LGBT Welcome

Triangle Rainbow Chalice, by Christian Boatman,
from a stained glass window in the sanctuary of the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Marin, San Rafael, California

We are a liberal religious community of faith, where young and old, partnered and single, gay and straight, skeptic and believer, people of every race and background come together to help build a community where love can grow. We believe in truth, love, justice and the inherent worth of every individual, and we invite all who share these values to join us.

In March 2005 our church was officially recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association as a "Welcoming Congregation," a designation signifying our completion of a UUA-prescribed program to become more inclusive toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people. Our effort was spearheaded by our former minister, the Rev. Bill Haney. Since then we often use the welcoming words shown above at the beginning of our worship services. More information on the UUA's Welcoming Congregation program.

Why do Unitarian Universalists single out lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people as a focus for our concern? The Rev. Douglas Morgan Strong, a UU Minister, probably states it best in the UUA's Welcoming Congregation manual: “For centuries, the church has been a leading force against sexual minorities. It is not surprising that gay people are reluctant to reach out to the very institution that oppresses them. Yet, gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual people have no less need for warmth, caring, and affirmation than anyone else who calls the liberal church their religious home. In fact, as a subculture in society gay, lesbian, transgender, and bisexual people may need our support more than the general population.”

We have not rested on our laurels since receiving the Welcoming Congregation designation. Besides welcoming a number of additional LGBT individuals as new members and friends of our church, we have:

• Participated with the UUA in recognizing February as a time to support the needs of our LGBT members and friends.

• Housed The Center Project for the local LGBTQ community in our church until it was able to raise enough funds to open its own separate office.

• Hosted celebrations, meetings, and education events for and in conjunction with PFLAG, PRISM, and the Mid-Missouri LGBT Coalition.

• Received a Catalyst Award from the MU Resource Office for "speaking out and often" on LGBT issues.

• Organized worship services and sponsored and hosted programs on LGBT issues.

• Maintained a booth at the annual PrideFest in a local park in June.

Our PrideFest booth in June 2010

In addition, individuals from our congregation are involved in many groups, events, and training activities related to LGBTs.

From April 2005 to February 2010 our church had an Interweave group focused on the spiritual, political, and social well-being of UUs confronting oppression as lesbians, gay men, bisexual persons, transgender persons, and their heterosexual allies. Our Interweave group is no longer active, however, because our overall Welcoming Congregation program has developed to the point where LGBT issues and concerns are routinely being brought to us by the congregation at large. Information on the nationwide Interweave organization appears below.

Interweave

Since 1973, Interweave has been a nationwide, member-based, grassroots organization of Unitarian Universalists working to end oppression based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and through that work, seeking an end to all oppression. Interweave strives to be a nationwide source of resources, advocacy, and activism.

Interweave website
March 2012 Interweave Newsletter (PDF)
April 2012 Interweave Newsletter (PDF)
May 2012 Interweave Newsletter (PDF)