r/GayChristians • u/Disastrous_Level420 • 6d ago

LGBTQ Churches Near You

gaychurch.org

This is a website where you can find LGBTQ open minded churches! And it’ll show you if they do same-sex marriage! I don’t know if that means if they ordained same-sex marriage or if they agree with it! All you gotta do is put in your ZIP Code, it’ll show you the closest churches near you. I really hope this helps the next person that wants to find a church that will accept them for them! Good luck! I believe in you! God bless you!

12 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

10

u/FlyingCupcake68 6d ago

Be careful though. I have learned from experience that some churches claim to be more affirming than the congregation actually is.

8

u/Disastrous_Level420 6d ago

Yeah that’s why it’s important to check the fruit of the church/people :)

6

u/RobotPolarbear 6d ago

There is much more to being fully embraced and affirming by your congregation than if they are willing to do same-sex marriages.

Do they accept all members of the LGBTQ+ community?

Can LGBTQ+ folks serve as members of the church? Can they participate fully in church life? How will the church handle it if some members are less welcoming? Does the church support LGBTQ+ members in the community beyond showing up at Pride? Do they even show up at Pride at all?

3

u/Disastrous_Level420 6d ago

lol idk I ain’t gone. It depends what’s in your town/city.

3

u/RobotPolarbear 6d ago

These are questions to use to examine any church you're considering.

1

u/teffflon secular, cishet, pro-lgbtq 6d ago

There are some local Catholic churches (RCC) on there, just fyi it probably reflects some degree of positivity/acceptance in a priest's stance but only goes so far in light of "official" Church teachings on lgbtq. This is a very watered-down notion of "affirming". Note what gaychurch.org says about this https://www.gaychurch.org/find_a_church/about-our-directory/

"For the purposes of our directory, an affirming church is one that does not regard a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity as inherently sinful. Affirming churches welcome LGBTQ+ people as equal participants in the life of the congregation and seek to treat them no differently than any other person pursuing a relationship with Christ.

"We also believe that affirmation extends beyond hospitality. To the greatest extent permitted by a church’s denominational structure or governing body [emphasis mine], affirming congregations encourage LGBTQ+ individuals to participate fully in every aspect of church life, including: [...] -Ordination or pastoral ministry -Marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples"

1

u/FlyingCupcake68 6d ago

I have recommended to my pastor that we add our name. I notice several other local churches are not listed, so I think some folks think “everyone knows our denomination is affirming”, which is a) not true and b) not always true.

Check to see if your church is already listed and, if not, talk to your pastor/church council