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Welcoming Groups and Organizations *

(groups that support welcoming congregations for a particular region)

 

 

Association of Reconciling Christians and Congregations (Aotearoa region, New Zealand)

The Association of Reconciling Christians and Congregations is an ecumenical network of gay, lesbian, transgendered and bisexual Christians, their friends and supporters, who believe that sexual orientation and expression is no barrier to God or to full participation in the life of the church.

Clergy for Justice ("No Longer Silent") (Arizona)

We are Christian Clergy:

  • grounded in the witness of the Bible

  • convinced of God's unconditional love for all people

  • raising a voice against Christian intolerance that promotes condemnation, discrimination, and hatred.

  • advocating justice for all, especially Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendered persons.

The time has come to share an alternative Christian perspective on the issue of homosexuality. Conservative political and Christian rhetoric condemning homosexuals has monopolized public perception of the stance of religious persons on this issue. We disagree with these views of condemnation and judgment.

 

We believe that homosexual persons are people of wholeness and worth, entitled to a complete and full life. We are convinced that the Bible makes clear God's unconditional love and acceptance of all people. We therefore welcome homosexual persons, as we welcome all people, into our Christian communities and organizations.

Rainbow Interfaith Community (Tucson, Arizona)

We are a group of Tucson interfaith communities united in reaching out to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We hope that you will find your spiritual home in one of these loving and caring spiritual communities.

Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches (Chicago area, IL, U.S.)

The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches is a collaboration of Christian churches in the Chicagoland area which welcome and affirm all persons, regardless of sexual orientation.

 

 

 

 

YES! Coalition (Philadelphia, PA, U.S.)

Yes! Coalition is a diverse group who work together in the Greater Philadelphia area to say "Yes!" to celebrating our faiths, and "Yes!" to affirm our sexuality and gender expression...

 

 

Community of Welcoming Congregations (CWC) (Oregon and SW Washington, U.S.)

The Community of Welcoming Congregations (CWC) is an Oregon and SW Washington interfaith ministry and association of religious and spiritual congregations that welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations.

Our ministry dedicates itself to the full equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, intersexed and questioning people seeking spiritual home. Through arms of education and advocacy, we reach out in support and affirmation acknowledging the image of our loving Creator in every person.

 
Evangelicals Concerned (EC) (United States)

Evangelicals Concerned (EC) provides safe and comfortable places for men and women to reconcile their Christian faith with their sexuality. By fostering a supportive community of believers, we desire to reunite people, regardless of their sexual orientation, with our friend, Jesus Christ.

 

 

 
Gay Christians of West Texas (West Texas, U.S.)

Uniting the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgender Christian community in West Texas.

 

 

 

 
Integrity/Bridge Logo 
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual
and Transgender Ministries of
the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota 

 

 Living Waters (Minnesota, U.S.)

Listing Episcopal churches in the Minnesota area that welcome the gay and lesbian community. Note: list is very dated.

"This Church of Ours Is Open to All.
There Will Be No Outcasts."

 

Gay Michiana (Michigan and Indiana)

Supporting and uniting the gay community in the "Michiana" area of Indiana (South Bend, Elkhart, Goshen, LaPorte, Highland) and Michigan.

 

 

 

 

 

Gays in Faith Together (GIFT) (Western Michigan)

GIFT is people who have joined together to form an ecumenical Christian organization with headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We include people from a wide variety of faith backgrounds, and we welcome everyone to join us in our mission.

Our Mission Statement: GIFT is a faith based community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends. Through pastoral care, mutual encouragement, and education, GIFT offers support for spiritual journeys and provides a reconciling presence for individuals, churches, and society. We see our mission as a witness to God’s inclusive love for all people.
 

Interfaith Working Group (Philadelphia area, PA, U.S.)

Supporting the Philadelphia-area congregations and religious organizations. Fighting for equal rights for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community.

New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition (New Jersey, NY, U.S.)

New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition (NJLGC) is a non-profit organization committed to the following:

  • Fighting discrimination based on sexual/affectional orientation or gender identification. 

  • Enhancing the quality of lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and intersexed people in New Jersey through public advocacy, education, political action, and legal reform.

Note: The church directory is a part of NJLGC effort to unite the Gay and Lesbian community and friends of their community for the New Jersey area. The NJLGC is not a religious organization.

The Institute for Welcoming Resources (United States)

Creating resources that support the unconditional welcome of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and their families in the church home of their choice. Six programs are the formal sponsors of IWR.

  • More Light Presbyterians (Presbyterian)

  • Open & Affirming Ministries (The Christian Church/Disciples of Christ)

  • Open and Affirming Program (United Church of Christ)

  • Reconciling Ministries Network (United Methodist)

  • Reconciling in Christ Program (Lutheran Churches/North America)

  • Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (Baptists)

The Shepherd Initiative (Central Ohio, U.S.)

The Shepherd Initiative is a coalition of faith communities and individual Christians who believe that discipleship with Jesus Christ can be compatible with a person's homosexual orientation and opposite gender identity. Members also agree that informative discussion about the fundamental nature and outward expression of this orientation and gender identity is important for Christian communities.

 
   

 

* Note: We strongly encourage the reader to do research of their own into these groups and organizations. While we try to be thorough we are only passing along material that is already in the public domain and this information may be incorrect. In addition, groups and organizations change over time and we may not be aware of these changes. If any of these groups prove to be unfriendly towards gays and lesbians please let us at  G.A.L.I.P. know so we can check into it.

 

Also note that not all the groups listed may consider themselves 'Christian' in the more traditional since of the word. There is much diversity of beliefs within the Body of Christ.

 

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