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

How to run a Welcoming Congregation Program
Apply for recognition as a Welcoming Congregation

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.

Begin your Annual Welcoming Congregation Renewal program - The Five Practices of Welcome Renewal
Subscribe to UPLIFT: LGBTQ Ministries and Welcoming Congregations newsletter

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

Community Support for Trans and Nonbinary People

Adrian Ballou, Mylo Way

From Uplift

It can be a frightening time to be trans, and to love trans folks. There can be a giant sense of fear and overwhelm, which can make us feel like shutting down. We want to offer more ways to navigate these times.
Capital Pride is June 8th

Eric Eldritch

From Uplift

Celebrating Pride allows us to experience power and possibility. When parades and festivals appear in your hometown, everyone can experience the power of community.
Trans Day of Visibility 2024
From Uplift

Please know that, here at UPLIFT and across our Unitarian Universalist Association, you are loved. You are cared for. We will love, support, and protect you, and we won’t give up on building what we all need to survive and thrive, and in acting and speaking out for the world we need.