Towards a Welcoming and Inclusive Church
IWR is a program of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
In the News
- News This Week - August 29, 2010
- Last Week's News - August 22, 2010
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IWR Resources
A Time to Build Up
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
- Click here to download A Time to Build Up (pdf)
- Click here to download A Time to Build Up formatted for print (pdf)
All in God's Family: Creating Allies for Our LGBT Families
Giving you opportunities to gather with other members of your congregation to pray, to learn, to share, and to work together to transform your lives, your congregation, and your world into a loving place in which God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families can thrive.
AVAILABLE NOW!
To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations
In order to both highlight the vibrancy, faithfulness and power of the Welcoming Movement and to counter the 'false witness' of those who seek to quash this movement of hospitality and justice, the Institute for Welcoming Resources surveyed pastors and leaders of 1,200 Welcoming congregations to ask them about their work and witness. Two areas emerged that warrant particular focus and celebration:
- Successfully completing a Welcoming Process makes a congregation more likely to work and witness on other justice issues.
- Congregations that directly engage the question of welcoming LGBT persons have low levels of conflict.
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
transACTION
A Transgender Curriculum For Churches and Religious Institutions
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
Liturgical Resource
A Place in God's Heart...
A Place at Christ's Table
Worship Resources for the Welcoming Church Movement
- Click here for index and resources
- Click here to download A Place in God's Heart... A Place at Christ's Table (pdf)
Contact IWR
Embodying Our Faith
Religion, Homosexuality, and Affirming Faith Communities
On Thursday, August 26, Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, Faith Work Director for The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force; Dr. Michael Adee, Executive Director for More Light Presbyterians; Barbara Satin, Faith Work Coordinator for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and a member of the Executive Council of the United Church of Christ; and Rabbi Michael Adam Latz, Shir Tikvah spoke with radio cohosts: Peter Gokey and Kendrick Davies on KFAI's radio show Fresh Fruit - the longest running queer radio show in the country. Discussion centered on religion, sexuality, and affirming faith communities. Fresh Fruit, has been on KFAI Fresh Air Radio since 1978. In 2008, Fresh Fruit celebrated its 30th birthday!
Hear or Download the podcast:
Corpus Christi - Playing with Redemption
Terrence McNally's Corpus Christi is a retelling of the Jesus story, with Jesus as a gay man living in 1950s Corpus Christi, Texas. The show originally opened at the Manhattan Theatre Club in NYC, 1998 to intense protest and bomb threats. Deemed by religious zealots as ?blasphemous,? the shock and controversy it created before it opened easily overshadowed McNally?s original intention in creating the piece: inclusive love for all people.
The 108 Productions revival started humbly at the Metropolitan Community Church in the Valley in 2006, and its resounding success continued to sold-out audiences for months at the famed Zephyr Theatre in Hollywood, and toured throughout Northern and Southern California. The production has enjoyed hugely successful runs at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the 2008 International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, and recently returned from a sold-out off-Broadway run at the Rattlestick Theatre in New York.
For more infomation about Corpus Christi - Playing with Redemption, click here.
Rev. Rebecca Voelkel at Netroots
The Task Force's Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, program director at the Institute for Welcoming Resources, speaks about the importance of working with communities of faith.
Faith in Action
New Analysis and Report: 20 Years of Polling on Gay & Lesbian Issues from Pew
With Same-Sex Marriage Debate at Full Boil,
New Report Evaluate Shifts in Attitudes on Homosexuality
In the wake of the recent federal court ruling on same-sex marriage, a new report released today by Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) contains new analysis and assessment of more than two decades of polling on attitudes about lesbian and gay people and issues.
The PRRI report reviews the entire history of polling on attitudes about homosexuality and gay rights since 1987 by The Pew Research Center, one of the most important sources of nonpartisan public polling information on American cultural and political attitudes. The report examines shifting public attitudes on gay and lesbian issues, assesses question design, and offers suggestions for future best practices.
Read the Full Report (pdf)
MLP Celebrates Love & Stands with Rev. Janie Spahr and Marriage Equality
The National Board of Directors and national staff of More Light Presbyterians stand in solidarity and prayer with Rev. Janie Spahr and her faithful support for marriage equality and pastoral care. The inspired and loving ministry of our beloved friend and colleague in ministry, Rev. Janie Spahr, is so much a faithful witness to a loving and just Church and society for all of God's people that she has been charged once again for being a responsible and caring pastor by officiating at legal marriages of same gender loving couples. "We rejoice in the faithful pastoral ministry of Janie Spahr. There is no prohibition against same-sex marriage in Scripture or the Book of Order. God created all of us for love and companionship, not just some of us," Rev. Janet Edwards, Co-Moderator.
Reconstructionist Congregation in Denver Welcomes Lesbian Rabbi
Reconstructionist Jewish congregation B'nai Havurah has hired Denver's first openly lesbian rabbi.
After a year-long search, the 50-year-old congregation of about 250 families announced last week that it has hired Rabbi Evette Lutman and welcomed her partner, Shari Abramowitz.
Task Force Member of the Month
As Associate Executive Director of the Reconciling Ministries Network, every day Rachel Harvey works for LGBT inclusion in the United Methodist Church (UMC). She's a great ally to our community and is even spending her 29th birthday?which is also National Coming Out Day?at the upcoming "Believe Out Loud Power Summit" in Orlando. At this conference, the 100 Reconciling United Methodists she's recruited will share stories and build relationships across theological differences. She'll be returning to Florida to continue to push for full LGBT inclusion at the UMC's global gathering in 2012.
Metropolitan Community Churches Decries "Solution to Gay Marriage" Calls on National Organization for Marriage to Immediately Issue an Apology
The solution to same-sex marriage, according to a supporter of the National Organization for Marriage, is to bring back lynching.
The National Organization for Marriage is currently on a nationwide tour to promote "traditional" marriage and in an anti-gay rally in Indianapolis, this week, a supporter held a sign with a couple of nooses on it and the words, "The Solution to Gay Marriage", and quoting Leviticus 20:13.
Speaking on behalf of Metropolitan Community Churches, The Reverend Dr. Neil Thomas, Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Los Angeles and President of California Faith for Equality, said, "This is a dreadful misuse of the sacred text quoted. It is hate speak and gives permission to religious extremists and right wing fundamentalists to incite violence against God's gay and lesbian children. This is nothing less than a hate crime."
Lutherans Offer Warm Welcome to Gay Pastors
With a laying on of hands, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Sunday welcomed into its fold seven openly gay pastors who had until recently been barred from the church's ministry.
The ceremony at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in San Francisco was the first of several planned since the denomination took a watershed vote at its convention last year to allow noncelibate gay ministers in committed relationships to serve the church.
"Today the church is speaking with a clear voice," the Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, one of the seven gay pastors participating in the ceremony, said at a news conference just before it began. "All people are welcome here, all people are invited to help lead this church, and all people are loved unconditionally by God."
Seven LGBT Lutheran pastors, previously ordained in protest of official policies of discrimination in the Evangelical Church in America, were welcomed back to the denomination under the new policies passed in August, 2009, that allow full inclusion of LGBT people. The moving ceremony in St. Mark?s Lutheran Church, in San Francisco, which was streamed on-line, July 25, 2010,could easily have been overlooked by media since it was not a story of conflict?but one of reconciliation and celebration. But, with GLAAD?s assistance, this historical event received the media attention it deserved.
New Poll: Only 1-in-5 Californians Say Proposition 8 'Good Thing'
Comprehensive New Poll Examining Religious Based Attitudes on Same Sex Marriage Two Years after Proposition 8
As the state of California awaits U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn R. Walker's decision on whether Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution, a new survey released today by Public Religion Research Institute examines the role religion plays in structuring attitudes toward same-sex marriage and a range of other issues related to rights for gay and lesbian people.
In 2008, pundits pointed to the influential role churches and religious groups played in Proposition 8's outcome. The bilingual (Spanish and English) poll of 3,351 adults in California, including oversamples of 350 African Americans and 200 Latino Protestants, represents the most comprehensive portrait of religion and attitudes on same sex marriage and other gay and lesbian issues since Proposition 8 was approved.
A Glimpse of Beloved Community
The clouds parted with impeccable timing Sunday just in time for our picnic in Piedmont Park, despite what seemed like open monsoon season earlier in the day. I got there right before 3pm with my Mom and Dad who drove down from NC to be with me for the day. I wondered whether it would just be the three of us because of the weather, but gradually over the next hour individuals, couples, families, and groups of friends started showing up one after another, over 150 in all. They spread out colorful blankets, shared delicious food, played games and combined their healing energy together in one beautiful display of love and solidarity with all those who have been targeted because they are different.
UCC Coalition's National Gathering 2010 is Underway!
"It's time to believe out loud" is the opening phrase from David Lohman's new song, "Believe Out Loud," about inclusion and proudly speaking-up for our StillSpeaking, inclusive God. I can say that here in San Diego it is definitely time to believe OUT very loudly at the Coalition's National Gathering.
Argentina Passes Historic Freedom to Marry Bill
Becoming the First South American Country to End Exclusion from Marriage
Statement from Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, on today's passage of a freedom to marry bill in Argentina that makes Argentina the first country in South America to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage:
"Today's historic vote shows how far Catholic Argentina has come, from dictatorship to true democratic values, and how far the freedom to marry movement has come as twelve countries on four continents now embrace marriage equality. Argentina's vote for the freedom to marry marks an important advance for fairness and family values as more couples around the world will now share in marriage, with families helped and no one hurt. Today's vote adds momentum to the international movement to secure the freedom to marry for all loving and committed couples."
"Key to Argentina's human rights achievement was strong leadership from legislators and the president. It is time we see more of our own elected officials standing up for the Constitution and all families here in the United States. America should lead, not lag, when it comes to treating everyone equally under the law."
At the request of local leaders, Freedom to Marry submitted testimony to the Argentina Senate in early July.
Believe OUT LOUD
The Believe Out Loud Power Summit is an advanced training for leaders and activists in the Welcoming Church Movement.
- Click here for more information and registration for the Believe Out Loud Power Summit
The Institute for Welcoming Resources is delighted to be a partner in the transdenominational Believe Out Loud campaign. Believe Out Loud provides a much-needed national network for churches committed to welcoming and affirming lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people as beloved children of God.
Believe Out Loud is based in a simple truth: Privately believing that LGBT persons should have an equal share in our church and society is not enough; we must publicly proclaim that belief. Believe Out Loud gives the congregations, parishes and missions of our denominations the means to do exactly that.
Practice Spirit, Do Justice takes place in conjunction with the 23rd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change in Minneapolis, Feb. 2 ? 6 2011.
Practice Spirit, Do Justice is the culmination of many years of relationship building and organizing across pro-LGBT religious and spiritual communities. The goal of this special mini-conference at 2011 Creating Change is to build stronger alliances between secular and religious communities.
Read more about Practice Spirit, Do Justice.
Now Available!
Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit
Drawing upon twenty-five years of experience within a variety of Christian denominations, this Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help facilitate a Welcoming Process in your local congregation. Biblically and theologically based, it uses tools of relational organizing, congregational assessment, conflict management and change theory.
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
Building an Inclusive Church
Training Opportunities
- September 24-25, 2010 — Seattle, WA
- September 24-26, 2010 — Spokane, WA
- September 30-October 2, 2010 — New York, NY
- October 29-30, 2010 — Boston, MA
- November 5-6, 2010 — Orange, CA
- November 5-7, 2010 — Chicago, IL
ENDA Action Center
This is an important time for ENDA and we need the active support of all faith organizations and members of faith communities to get a vote on this critical piece of legislation.
If the Employment Non-Discrimination Act doesn?t pass now, it will not pass in Congress. It is as simple as that. That?s why, more than ever, we need you to help move ENDA forward. That?s why we need you take part in the National Week of Action.
What action can YOU take right now?
Join us on Facebook.
Be it our 7,000-strong group or our new Facebook page, make sure you stay tuned for live updates. Then, invite your friends, families, and fellow supporters of LGBT equality to join.
Call Congress today.
Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard (202) 224-3121. Give the operator your zip code and ask to be connected to your Representative. Tell your elected official, we need ENDA now. Let them know:
Discrimination is a real problem that affects real people. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people need basic job discrimination protections. Congress must prioritize ENDA for passage. ENDA can?t wait, PASS ENDA NOW.
Tweet about it. Then let us know that you?ve taken part in the National Week of Action. Let us know what you?ve done to move ENDA forward and make sure that crucial employment protections for the LGBT community are passed. Tag your tweet with #ENDAnow.
Together we can make sure that ENDA passes now. Will you join us?
3 Steps For ENDA
Here are things YOU can do during House recess to move ENDA!
- VISIT House Members In District Offices. Get an appointment, drop by their office, and definitely leave a note.
- WRITE Your Representative. Handwritten is best, so mail it, or send an email.
- CALL Your Representative today! Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Give the operator your zip code and ask to be connected to your Representative.
Suggested voicemail message:
My name is _______ , and I live at (your street address) in (your city). I am calling about ENDA. My message is simple and direct: we need committee markup and a House vote on ENDA the week of April 12. Thank you.
- United ENDA support letter - SEND IT OUT! 04.22.10
- ENDA Action Alert 11.13.09 (pdf)
- ENDA Bulletin Insert (pdf)
- UE Faith Call Summary 11.02.09 (pdf)
- Clergy sign-on letter in support of ENDA
Follow as ENDA Makes its Way Through Congress
- Senate Hearing - Nov. 5, 2009
- Task Force Press Release: ENDA will provide much-needed employment protections for LGBT workers - Nov. 5, 2009
Multi-Faith Work
NEW DOCUMENTARY!
"In Our Fullness: Faith and Activism Across Difference"
presents conversations with activists about faith-based work for radical social change around issues including sexuality, gender, race, class, and age. The video includes powerful testimonies from activists representing Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Native spiritualities, presenting challenges and successes in faith-based progressive-left coalition building.
Produced by the Institute for Welcoming Resources, a Project of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in partnership with the Macalester College Chuck Green Civic Engagement Fellowship.
For more information: info@WelcomingResources.org
Additional Ecumenical & Multi-Faith Groups Convened by IWR
New & Timely Resources
- Balancing on the Mechitza: Transgender in Jewish Community While the Jewish mainstream still argues about homosexuality, transgender and gender-variant people have emerged as a distinct Jewish population and as a new chorus of voices.
- She Looks Just Like You: A Memoir of (Nonbiological Lesbian) Motherhood After ten years of talking about children, two years of trying (and failing) to conceive, and one shot of donor sperm for her partner, Amie Miller was about to become a mother. Or something like that. Over the next nine months, as her partner became the biological mom-to-be, Miller became . . . what? Mommy's little helper? A faux dad?
- The Church Has AIDS explores the social issues and stigmas that fuel the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the African American community. Minister Palmer looks at religious based heterosexism and religiosity and it's impact over such issues as sexuality and sexual orientation in an upfront and in your face manner.
- All Whom God Has Joined provides - in one accessible volume - a unique collection of liturgical and ceremonial resources as well as pastoral care tools and insights on same-sex covenanting ceremonies for clergy and couples addressing these issues. Those who want a clearer understanding of this subject will also benefit from this one-of-a-kind book.
- The damage done by hatred and prejudice-based on race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender-runs very deep. The damage done is often invisible, but it simmers beneath the surface anyway. In Race and Prayer, Malcolm Boyd and Chester Talton have collected poems, prayers, and prose that bring the anger and frustration to light, and ultimately, they hope, to a place of reconciliation and healing.
