The Institute for Welcoming Resources

Catholic School's Treatment of Child of Lesbian Couple Protested by Many

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

Leaders of DignityUSA join Catholic families in Boulder, Colorado in expressing extreme disappointment that the young child of lesbian parents has become the Archdiocese's latest target in its attacks on gay, lesbian, and transgender people. The child has been barred from returning to Sacred Heart of Jesus School because of her parents' sexual orientation

ELCA Bishops Reach Consensus on 'ELM' Pastors, More Review Needed

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

ITASCA, Ill. (ELCA) -- The Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reached a consensus March 8 on a draft proposal for a rite that would bring onto the church's official clergy roster those pastors who were ordained and are on the clergy roster of "Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM)." ELM "expands ministry opportunities for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the Lutheran church," according to its Web site.

Church called to love and serve, not judge and cut

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

The decision by Catholic Charities in Washington, D.C. to close its adoption and foster care programs and stop providing spousal benefits to new employees - all to avoid serving same-sex couples who may now legally marry in the district - is religious hypocrisy at its worst. Part of the organization's mission statement reads, "We bring help for today and hope for the future to the most vulnerable among us." Except, apparently, if you are a same-sex couple seeking to adopt or provide a home for a foster child, or if you are a legally married gay man or lesbian who works at Catholic Charities and needs spousal benefits.

Senators introduce legislation to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

Legislation to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on openly lesbian, gay and bisexual service members was introduced today in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.), along with 11 other co-sponsors. Lieberman, Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Roland Burris (D-Ill.) held a press conference today to discuss the repeal effort and introduce the bill.

Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori Supports the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV/AIDS

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

The Balm in Gilead's National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is an opportunity to again reflect on and rededicate ourselves to the eradication of HIV/AIDS. As we head toward March 7-13, 2010, I encourage Christians to consider the vast toll that AIDS has taken on this world and to consider how you might participate in the work and witness that is, indeed, God's "balm in Gilead."

Religious Institute Charges D.C. Catholic Charities with Lack of Family Values

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

In response to the recent decisions by Catholic Charities to stop providing spousal benefits to its employees and to abandon its adoption and foster care programs in Washington, D.C. -- both in order to exclude same-sex couples -- the Religious Institute issued the following statement from its executive director, Rev. Debra W. Haffner.

Rev. Geoffrey Black Supports the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV/AIDS

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

For nearly 30 years, HIV and AIDS has been a growing pandemic in our country andaround the world. Whether we are conscious of it or not, every one of us is affected by thisdisease. When we look more closely, we see HIV and AIDS not only continues to have adevastating impact on scores of people and communities, but also that some are bearingthe brunt of this disease much more severely than others, particularly the poor, people ofcolor, and young people.

Bill Moyers' Journal: February 26, 2010

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:30:00 PST

Once adversaries in 2000's Bush v. Gore Supreme Court case, now two of the nation's premier lawyers - one conservative and one liberal - have teamed up to make the constitutional case for same-sex marriage. Conversation led by journalist and Baptist minister Bill Moyers.

All Whom God Has Joined

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:30:00 PST

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.

Pastor Anita Hill To Be Received to the Clergy Roster of the ELCA

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:30:00 PST

Pastor Anita Hill, St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran church, St. Paul, Minnesota, has been informed by the Candidacy Committee of the St. Paul Synod that she will be received onto the clergy roster of the ELCA following the finalization of changes to the governing documents, Vision and Expectations (V&E) and Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline (D&G), expected at the April meeting of the ELCA Church Council. The changes will remove the policy barriers to service on the roster in the ELCA by ministers in committed, lifelong, same-gender relationships.

Uncommon Hope: A DVD Enhanced Curriculum Reflecting the Heart of the Church for People Affected by HIV/AIDS

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:30:00 PST

Uncommon Hope offers a dynamic, small-group curriculum designed to support people of faith in answering God's call to end the silence and inaction magnifying the human suffering and death wrought by HIV and AIDS. Whether your church or faith-based organization is just beginning to engage in HIV/AIDS ministry or has a long history in the work, Uncommon Hope provides tools and experiences to foster the development of spiritual responses that are authentic to your community, consistent with the core teachings of all major faith traditions, and respectful of the rich diversity reflected in the lives most impacted by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

ENDA Action Center

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:00:00 PST

As the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) begins to make its way through Congress, we want to provide faith based groups with resources and actions that will help them support this important piece of legislation that assures equality for all in the workplace. The voices of the faith community in support of ENDA is vital to gaining positive Congressional action. With House action expected before Thanksgiving, fast response is also critical. Check this ENDA Action Center often for new information and resources.

Just Say Know: A Faith-Based Advocacy Guide for Sexuality Education

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:00:00 PST

An online guide to help clergy and religious leaders advocate for comprehensive sexuality education in public schools. This guide provides background on comprehensive sexuality education, theological and spiritual grounding for advocacy, suggestions for involvement on the congregational, local, state and national levels, worship ideas, fact sheets, bibliographies and more."

Out in the Silence

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 14:00:00 PST

This inspirational and gripping documentary uses the story of a small American town confronting the firestorm of controversy ignited by a same-sex wedding announcement to illustrate the challenge of being an outsider in a conservative environment and catalyze new ways of making resources and support available for those working for change. The film and accompanying outreach campaign are supported by grants from the Sundance Documentary Film Program and Pennsylvania Public Television Network.

In Good Conscience: Sister Jeanine Gramick's Journey of Faith

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:00:00 PST

In Barbara Rick's acclaimed documentary, In Good Conscience, a most unlikely and very funny rebel - an American nun - finds herself at the center of a human rights storm with leaders of one of the world's most revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church. The film chronicles the true story of Sister Jeannine Gramick, who is defying a Vatican edict that she shut down her compassionate ministry to gay and lesbian Catholics, and silence herself permanently on the subject of homosexuality. Her battle takes her all the way to Rome where she attempts an audience with her key adversary over the years - none other than Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - the Inquisitor who would become Pope Benedict XVI. Sister Jeannine has worked within the church for more than thirty years on behalf of the LGBT community and its fight for acceptance, recognition, and equality. When issued this ultimatum from Cardinal Ratzinger and Pope John Paul II - denounce homosexuality or lose everything - quietly and with respect, she refused.

Why I Chose to Get Arrested

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 09:00:00 PST

I wanted to thank so many people for your messages and for the encouragement and support over the civil disobedience last week. Now I know who to call, next time I'm in trouble or need to be bailed out! It was truly a humble privilege to stand there on behalf of so many you who could not, but who shared my sentiment and convictions. I think of the many times when I wanted to, but couldn't get arrested. And of those who have stood on my behalf, in my lifetime and long before it.

A Time to Build Up

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 PST

Analysis of the No on Proposition 8 Campaign and its Implications for Future Pro-lgbtqqia Religious Organizing

Progress Comes in Small Steps But It Moves Us Forward

Fri, 15 May 2009 11:32:00 PST

One of the biggest challenges faced by transgender people is how to gain acknowledgment and affirmation of their identity when dealing with the public. Seldom if ever do application or enrollment forms or questionnaires ever give us the opportunity to state that we are something other than the traditional binary gender code of male or female.

All in God's Family: Creating Allies for Our LGBT Families

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:00:00 EST

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.

Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:00:00 PST

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.

To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:00:00 PST

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: (a) successfully completing a Welcoming Process makes a congregation more likely to work and witness on other justice issues, and (b) congregations that directly engage the question of welcoming LGBT persons have low levels of conflict.

Reflecting on the Power of Religion

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:32:01 PST

An 11-year-old child commits suicide because his schoolmates bullied him for his perceived sexual orientation using religion as an excuse. An openly gay man becomes the first person to be consecrated bishop by a religious denomination. That's the power of religion. It can be used for good or for bad. During a period in which Christians celebrate Holy Week, Jewish people commemorate Passover, some Muslims celebrate Milad un Nabi, and Buddhists mark Magha Puja Day, among many others, we should reflect on the power that faith has either to construct or destroy.

Immigration, Queers and Justice -- It's All About Hospitality

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:00:00 PST

The Jewish rabbi rose and read from the Psalms and talked about the importance of joy in the midst of suffering-not in an out-of-touch sort of way but joy rooted in the knowledge that God does and will bring justice. He followed his words by teaching us all an Alleluiah song.

Making churches transgender inclusive

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 08:00:00 PST

As a transgender Christian who has visited numerous churches throughout the country, I know first hand the need to make religious institutions welcoming and affirming of transgender people but have seen time and time again that the congregational-based resources are not there yet. I have heard the anger and frustration from many of my transgender brothers and sisters as they relate how they have been met with hostility and fear upon entering a church to attend worship services.

Prayers for Bobby

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:00:00 PST

"Prayers for Bobby" is a new TV movie based upon a true story of a mother whose inability to accept her gay son contributes to his eventual suicide. In her grief, she reevaluates the religious ideology that fueled her fears and, through the help of PFLAG and a compassionate yet challenging MCC pastor, emerges a strong lgbt advocate. The movie has been met with enthusiasm, particularly among those in the welcoming movement.

transACTION: A Transgender Curriculum For Churches and Religious Institutions

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:00:00 PST

The Institute for Welcoming Resources (IWR), a program of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, recently released transACTION: A Transgender Curriculum for Churches and Religious Institutions. This is the very first curriculum of its kind aimed at helping inclusive religious institutions to arm their congregants and members with training on how to welcome, understand and recognize the contributions of transgender persons within their faith settings.

A little something for everyone

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:00:00 PST

As a child, I became very used to the fact that whenever we had a meal at my paternal grandmother's house (which was nearly every Sunday and all holidays), there would be a table laden with food. Three types of meats, four or five vegetables, and two or three desserts - always something on the table of each type that my grandmother knew was each person's favorite or at least something each of us liked. It would have been a disaster of a meal for my grandmother if anyone had to eat something that was not her or his favorite.

A Place in God's Heart... A Place at Christ's Table: Worship Resources for the Welcoming Church Movement

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:12:00 PST

Dedicated to Rev. Ann B. Day and Donna Enberg in honor and celebration of their twenty years as leaders of the Open and Affirming Program of the United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns and for their founding and ongoing spirit in the ecumenical Welcoming Church Movement. Prepared by their friends in the Welcoming Church Movement and the Institute for Welcoming Resources.