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 […]
Click here to view a video recording of this CLGS Queering the 2024 Vote workshop! A CLGS Queering the 2024 Vote* Workshop Series ❦ Sitting in Stillness and Prayer is an online retreat space intended to provide an opportunity for meditation, reflection, and shared presence as we approach Election Day 2024. Drawing from both Buddhist and […]
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 […]
Click here for a video recording of this CLGS Lavender Lunch! In this online workshop we discussed ways to help faith leaders and communities prepare for Trans Day of Remembrance and Resilience (TDORR). We invite you to check out the video recording of this CLGS Lavender Lunch workshop for some ideas about how to help your faith […]
Click here for a video recording of this CLGS Latinx Roundtable Event! This CLGS Latinx Roundtable Event explored the concept of familia through a queer Latinx lens. Our panelists reflected on the many ways “familia” is constructed and deployed in Latinx cultures and applied a queer reading of familial relationality (including biological families and “chosen” families) […]