We are a Welcoming Congregation
Our congregation extends a warm welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and their families. We are a caring, open-minded spiritual community that encourages you to seek your own spiritual path.
We believe that our first principle, Respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person, applies equally to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
We’re proud to report that UUCMC’s Welcoming Congregation renewal application has been approved! Click here to read the letter.
What does it mean to be a Welcoming Congregation?
Congregations who publicly and successfully welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have the following qualities:
- Includes and addresses the needs of LGBTQ persons at every level of congregational life in worship, in programs, in social occasions, and in rites of passage welcoming not only their presence, but the gifts and particularities of their lives as well.
- Assumes the presence of LGBTQ people and celebrates this diversity by having inclusive language and content in their worship.
- Fully incorporates the experiences of LGBTQ persons throughout all programs, including religious education.
- Includes an affirmation and nondiscrimination clause in our by-laws and other official documents affecting all dimensions of congregational life, including membership, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals.
- Engages in outreach into the LGBTQ community in its advertising and by actively supporting LGBTQ-affirmative groups.
- Offers congregational and ministerial support for marriage and memorial services for LGBTQ persons, and for celebrations of family definitions.
- Celebrates the lives of all people and welcomes same-sex couples, recognizing their committed relationships, and equally affirms displays of caring and affections without regard to sexual orientation.
- Seeks to nurture ongoing dialog between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and heterosexual persons and to create deeper trust and sharing.
- Affirms and celebrates LGBTQ issues and history during the church year.
- Attends to legislative developments and works to promote justice, freedom, and equality in the larger society.
- Speaks out when the rights of LGBTQ people are at stake.