Language Declaring Welcome and Nondiscrimination
One of the most public ways that your congregation can proclaim its welcome to all people, regardless of identity, is to include language in your bylaws, orders of service, website, newsletter, etc., that clearly states this welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Association often receives requests for recommended language for such statements. It is up to your unique congregation to decide what rings most authentically for you, but here we offer up some of our favorite examples. See the bottom of the page for more information.
Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County (UUTC)—Brevard, NC
UUTC affirms and promotes participation in all its activities without regard to race, color, sex, disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin and without requiring adherence to any religious belief or creed.
[From bylaws]
United First Parish Church (Unitarian)—Quincy, MA
This Congregation welcomes all persons without regard to affectional or sexual orientation, age, color, gender identity or expression, nationality, origin, physical or mental ability, race, sex, and without requiring adherence to any particular interpretation of religion or to any particular religious belief or creed.
[From bylaws]
Starr King School for the Ministry—Berkeley, CA
The mission, theological vision and educational philosophy of the school support us in educating to counter oppressions. In our work we strive to embody what we hope to see in the world--a just, loving humanity and community in which people are free to be themselves fully and without fear. A community where no one is exiled, silenced or exploited because of gender, gender expression, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, sexual/affectional orientation, age, class, physical character or disability.
[From mission statement]
Unitarian Fellowship of Houston—Houston, TX
It is specifically understood that there shall be no creedal test, and that membership is open to all qualified persons regardless of race or ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or national origin.
[From bylaws, regarding membership]
Heartland Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Indianapolis—Zionsville, IN
Heartland seeks to foster a climate of purposeful inclusion of all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or national origin.
We are a congregation which celebrates and supports the lives, the relationships, and the individual and group contributions of its lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender members and friends. We affirm and promote their full participation in the life of the congregation and community.
[From website]
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Richmond—Richmond, VA
Are you seeking a community of seekers who respect the differences between people and affirms every person as an individual, no matter their race, age, ability, gender, or whom they love?
Are you eager to find a church that acts locally and thinks globally on the great issues of our time—world peace, women’s rights, racial justice, homelessness, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender rights, and protection of the environment?
[From website]
Note on bylaws
If you are amending your congregation's bylaws, considering adding language to sections on mission, membership, and employment, and/or adding a section that addresses affirmation and promotion in all activities and endeavors, including membership, programming, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals.
Note on gender and sexuality
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Ministries, a staff group that is part of Multicultural Growth & Witness, recommends that you consider the phrases "gender identity and expression" and "sexual or affectional orientation" for the sorts of statements discussed on this page.
"Gender identity and expression" communicates that you value, respect, and welcome diversity in terms of how people self-identify and also in terms of how people express themselves (which are different, if related, things).
"Sexual and affectional orientation" addresses the fact that the topic of attraction and partnership is complex. For example, some people are sexually attracted to people of a certain gender or gender presentation and affectionally (or romantically) attracted to people of a different gender or gender presentation.
For more on gender and sexuality, please see Identity 101.
For more information contact lgbt @ uua.org.
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Last updated on Tuesday, August 2, 2011.
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