Many churches and denominations around the world openly embrace and support the LGBTQ+ community. These churches typically affirm LGBTQ+ individuals' full participation in religious life, including marriage and ordination. Here are some of the most well-known LGBTQ+-friendly churches and denominations:
1. United Church of Christ (UCC)
- The UCC is a Protestant denomination that has a strong commitment to social justice and inclusion. It was one of the first major Christian denominations in the United States to ordain openly LGBTQ+ clergy and support same-sex marriage.
2. Episcopal Church
- The Episcopal Church, part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, is known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. The church allows for the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and the blessing of same-sex marriages.
3. Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
- The UUA is a liberal religious organization that actively supports LGBTQ+ rights. Unitarian Universalist congregations are open and affirming, and many have been involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy for decades.
4. Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC)
- The MCC is an international Protestant Christian denomination that was founded to serve the LGBTQ+ community. It has been at the forefront of the LGBTQ+ rights movement since its inception in 1968.
5. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
- The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States. It has a welcoming stance toward LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing LGBTQ+ clergy and blessing same-sex marriages.
6. Presbyterian Church (USA)
- The Presbyterian Church (USA) is another major Protestant denomination that has embraced LGBTQ+ inclusion. It allows for the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy and permits same-sex marriages.
7. United Methodist Church (UMC) – Reconciling Ministries Network
- While the UMC has historically had restrictive policies regarding LGBTQ+ issues, the Reconciling Ministries Network is a movement within the UMC that advocates for full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people. Some UMC congregations are part of this network and openly affirm LGBTQ+ members.
8. Society of Friends (Quakers)
- Many Quaker meetings (congregations) are LGBTQ+ affirming and support same-sex marriages. The Quaker tradition emphasizes equality and inclusion, making it a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals.
9. Disciples of Christ (Christian Church)
- This mainline Protestant denomination is known for its inclusive approach. Many congregations within the Disciples of Christ are open and affirming to LGBTQ+ people.
10. Old Catholic Church
- The Old Catholic Church, which separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 19th century, is generally progressive on social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights. It often ordains LGBTQ+ clergy and blesses same-sex unions.
11. Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism
- While not Christian, it's worth noting that many Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish congregations are fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals, supporting same-sex marriage and ordaining LGBTQ+ clergy.
12. The Swedenborgian Church
- This Christian denomination, based on the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, is generally inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals, and many of its congregations are openly affirming.
13. Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC)
- The MCC was specifically founded to serve the LGBTQ+ community and remains a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights within the Christian faith.
14. Baptist Churches – Alliance of Baptists
- The Alliance of Baptists is a progressive group within the Baptist tradition that supports LGBTQ+ inclusion. While many Baptist churches may be conservative, those affiliated with the Alliance are often welcoming and affirming.
15. Church of Scotland
- The national church of Scotland has taken steps towards greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, including allowing same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBTQ+ clergy.
16. The Inclusive Orthodox Churches
- Some branches of the Orthodox Christian tradition, though rarer, have begun to emerge as inclusive of LGBTQ+ people, especially in Western countries.
These denominations and congregations typically have specific policies and practices that affirm LGBTQ+ individuals, including welcoming them into membership, leadership, and ministry. However, individual congregations within these denominations may vary in their level of inclusivity, so it's often helpful to visit a church's website or contact them directly to learn more about their stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
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