Welcoming Congregations Program

Paint Branch UU Church, Adelphi, MD, congregant members make a human rainbow to show their pride as Welcoming Congregation.

Paint Branch UU Church, Adelphi, MD, is a proud Welcoming Congregation

We know that religious spaces haven’t always been welcoming places for all people, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality. We are out to change that.

For 25 years we have worked hard to make sure lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people are full members of our faith communities. Being welcoming means striving for radical inclusion, and creating spaces that honor every part of our identities, backgrounds, and experiences. Find a welcoming congregation near you.

The Welcoming Congregation Program

In the 1980s and 90s, when the word “welcoming” became a code word for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, the Unitarian Universalist Association launched a Welcoming Congregation Program to help us learn how to undo homophobia—and later, transphobia (prejudice against transgender people)—in our hearts and minds, our congregations, and our communities.

Today, most Unitarian Universalist congregations are recognized Welcoming Congregations. The spiritual practice of welcome is a very important one to our faith community.

Starting a New Program

The Work of Welcome is Never Finished

The work of welcome is never done. Welcoming Congregations can learn more about how to be truly welcoming to all people by renewing their commitment.

The UU Church of Studio City, CA, celebrated the launch of their Welcoming Congregation Program during a 2011 National Coming Out Day service.

Learn More

Uplift

  • A red HIV/AIDS awareness ribbon centered on a black background, framed by a border of inclusive Pride flag colors.
    (No) World AIDS Day is December 1st

    Michael J. Crumpler, Kimi Floyd Reisch

    From Uplift

    On this (No) World AIDS Day, may we not be silent as we approach a year of 1 million AIDS-related deaths.

  • Imara Jones, a Black person with long braids, speaking at a podium during the 2025 UUA General Assembly in Baltimore. Behind them, a starry “MEET THE MOMENT” backdrop is lit with geometric patterns, with plants and a near
    Love at the Center – Defending Trans Lives and Democracy
    From Uplift

    We’re thrilled to share a new Welcoming Religious Education Study Guide inspired by Imara Jones’s 2025 Ware Lecture at General Assembly: “Love at the Center: Defending Trans Lives and Democracy.”

  • A single lit candle glows in the darkness, its small orange flame casting a soft light against a black background.
    We Keep Each Other Alive: Lessons from Grief and Love

    Kimi Floyd Reisch

    From Uplift

    So, this year, I want to invite you to remember at least one person in a deeper way. Choose a name of someone whose story you’ve carried quietly in your heart since you learned of their loss. Learn something about their life, their passions, their joys.

More from Uplift

Graphic for the Five Practices of Welcome Renewal

Learn More & Renew Now!