A Welcoming Congregation
Officially recognized as a Welcoming Congregation, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a safe space for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender persons; to take positions on oppression in our larger community; and to accomplish outreach.
In 1987 the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) established the Common Vision Planning Committee. This committee found many negative attitudes, deep prejudices, and profound ignorance about bisexual, gay, and lesbian people, which resulted in the exclusion of bisexual, gay, and lesbian people from their churches. As a result of these findings, the delegates of the 1989 UUA General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to initiate the Welcoming Congregation program to educate its members. Each congregation adapts the program to best meet its goals and each unique situation can bring positive changes to individuals and congregations.
Welcoming Congregation Benefits
Confronting our prejudices in a non-judgmental, non-threatening group allows us to explore their origins and offers an opportunity to replace those prejudices with knowledge. Understanding our prejudices leads to individual spiritual growth and congregational unity.
All Souls' membership includes bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender persons who are active members, willing to give of themselves and share their experiences with us.
For more information about the UUA Welcoming Congregation Program, please click here.