Outreach Programs

 

State & Local Organizations:  Arizona, California, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, & Virginia

 

National Organizations

Bridges-Across the Divide  provides models and resources for building respectful relationships among those who disagree about  moral issues surrounding  homosexuality, bisexuality and gender variance.

 

 

Building An
Inclusive Church

Loving each other when some of us
in the family of God are not straight

An interdenominational network
of concerned persons and groups

 

About the Alliance
 
The success of the Religious Right in appropriating the language of Christianity has led many people to become generally wary of religion in the public sphere and of Christianity in particular.  The Religious Right has used the language of Christianity to promote an extreme and divisive political agenda that has helped polarize our nation. But foundational Christian values like compassion, justice and peace are largely absent from our political discussion.  And there are millions of Christian Americans who share progressive views, or, at a minimum, are increasingly turned off by the extreme rhetoric and political agenda of the Religious Right.

The Christian Alliance for Progress is a national movement that started in Jacksonville, Florida among ordinary Americans who want to reclaim Christianity and change this current political picture.  Members in the movement want to restore core values of Christianity while honoring diverse views about religion and Christian life.  Many Americans, especially people of faith, are ready to hear from Christians who are tolerant, and who understand the many ways that our faiths impact our views of public life. The Christian Alliance advances a renewed, progressive vision of Gospel values and seeks to help Americans express this moral vision in our lives and in our politics.

We believe we have an obligation to speak out about politics from our deep beliefs; but we do so in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr, we speak to the government as conscience.  We do not seek to be the master of the government. We affirm a well-established American commitment to a clear separation of church and state.

Reclaiming the name of Christ and Christianity for love, mercy, and truth. Also examining news and content throughout the web. And pointing things out that just don't make sense.

 

 

 

 

OUR VISION: An America where homophobia
is as unacceptable as racism.
 

 

 

 
The Reverend Dr. Jerry Falwell is completely wrong when
he says that gay and lesbian people are sinning and
can change. Please take a moment to read why...

An affirming gay Christian (GLBT) site dedicated to ...

         "Building (ALL) the Body of Christ in Love!"

 

Gay Church is a web site dedicated to ministering to the gay and lesbian

Christian community (GLBT) and friends of our community. We feature one

of the largest gay and lesbian welcoming Christian church directories and

bulletin boards in the world. Network with other homosexual Christians!

 
 

God loves gays

 

 

Mission Statement

HeartStrong is a non sectarian organization established to provide outreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and other persons adversely affected by the influence of all denominations of religious educational institutions.

HeartStrong is also committed to educating the public about the persecution of GLBT’s and others at religious educational institutions.

 

 

Conservative Christians for a Just and Respectful
Response to those who experience same-sex attraction

 

 

We are Christian Clergy:

  • grounded in the witness of the Bible
  • convinced of God's unconditional love for all people
  • raising a voice against Christian intolerance that promotes condemnation, discrimination, and hatred.
  • advocating justice for all, especially Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendered persons.

    The time has come to share an alternative Christian perspective on the issue of homosexuality. Conservative political and Christian rhetoric condemning homosexuals has monopolized public perception of the stance of religious persons on this issue. We disagree with these views of condemnation and judgment.

    We believe that homosexual persons are people of wholeness and worth, entitled to a complete and full life. We are convinced that the Bible makes clear God's unconditional love and acceptance of all people. We therefore welcome homosexual persons, as we welcome all people, into our Christian communities and organizations.

    We regret that the judgmental pronouncements of some political and Christian leaders have characterized homosexual persons as inherently more sinful and/or immoral than their heterosexual counterparts. We disagree with these views, and feel that interpretations of the Bible used to support such views are inaccurate and incomplete. We believe that homosexual persons are no more sinful and are of equal character and personal integrity as any other group of people.

    The divisive rhetoric concerning the issue of homosexuality has invaded our churches and denominations with inflammatory, misleading, and politically-driven arguments. Polarization and mistrust have often displaced communication and understanding. We hope for a renewal of meaningful discourse, and look forward to genuine dialogue with all persons regarding this issue.

    We believe that there are many unheard voices who share these convictions and welcome all persons who are moved to stand together in support of the unconditional inclusive love of God. We are committed to work and pray for understanding and strength as the journey continues.

    		•

     

    Gay and Christian?

    Queer and Catholic?

    Christian and lesbian?

    Yes!

    Other Sheep is the only worldwide ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to empowering sexual minorities throughout the world with the Good News of God's unconditional love for all and salvation through God's Son, Jesus Christ.

    (For further information about Other Sheep:)

    We believe that our sexuality – whatever our orientation – is a gift of God to be celebrated with dignity. Homosexuality, for instance, is neither a sin nor a sickness.

     

    Progressive Christians Uniting (formerly Mobilization for the Human Family) is a movement of progessive Christians whose mission is to be a prophetic presence in the Church and in the world, steadfastly proclaiming the radically inclusive love of God and faithfully working for the inclusion of and justice for all God's children, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, age, race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

    About Us

    Welcome to The Purple Pew, an online Christ-led organization, news source, and community for straight and gay Christians who believe that serving God through faith in Christ undoubtedly involves the active pursuit of truth, equality and justice for all.

    The Purple Pew was officially founded on February 14, 2004, after the completion of "Connecting the Biblical Dots" - a biblically-based, alternative theological view on homosexuality.

    Mission

    The Purple Pew's purpose is to stand up for the truth regarding what the Bible really says about homosexuality, marriage, justice and the Christian faith, holding firm to Holy Scripture and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Declaration Of Equality

    We declare that with God there is no respect of persons, partiality or variance regardless of sexual orientation. Marriage is honorable in all and for all, especially those who live by faith in Christ. Therefore, all persons who profess the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior are heirs to the throne of God by faith in Christ, His only begotten Son, who died for all, especially those who believe, without partiality or hypocrisy.

    Responsibility

    It is our responsibility and duty as Christ’s chosen servants to speak, live, and teach the truth according to God’s Word with passion and perseverance. Anything less is an injustice to humanity and a disgrace to God.

     
     

     

     

    The Shower of Stoles is a collection of over a thousand liturgical stoles and other sacred items representing the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of faith. These religious leaders have served in twenty-six denominations and faith traditions, in six countries, and on three continents. Each stole contains the story of a GLBT person who is active in the life and leadership of their faith community in some way: minister, elder, deacon, teacher, missionary, musician, administrator, or active layperson.

    This extraordinary collection celebrates the gifts of GLBT persons who serve God in countless ways, while also lifting up those who have been excluded from service because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The collection bears witness to the huge loss of leadership that the church has brought upon itself because of its own unjust policies. The vast majority of the stoles have been sent in by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people themselves. Some have been sent by family or friends to honor a GLBT loved one. About one third of all the stoles are donated anonymously; in fact over three-quarters of the stoles donated specifically by clergy and other full-time church professionals are done so anonymously.

     

     

    About Us: Mission


    The mission of The Center for Progressive Christianity is:

    » To reach out to those for whom organized religion has proved ineffectual, irrelevant, or repressive, as well as to those who have given up on or are unacquainted with it.

    » To uphold evangelism as an agent of justice and peace.

    » To give a strong voice both in the churches and the public arena to the advocates of progressive Christianity .

    » To support those who embrace the search, not certainty.


    Currently, we are working to fulfill our mission by:

    » Creating open and welcoming communities of faith. We are developing strategies for evangelism that do not assume the absolute superiority of Christianity so that we do not contribute to the worlds tragic divisions.

    » Reclaiming the symbols of our faith. We are finding effective means to be heard and to influence the behavior of the churches.

    » Building an international network of progressive

     
     

    TransFaith Revival!

    TransFaith on-line is dedicated to

    • educating churchfolk about TransFaith, TransFolk, and OtherWisdom
    • supporting Transfolk in our sacred role as OtherWise
    • nurturing the expression of the sacred OtherWise

    TransFaith on-line seeks to be inclusive of Trans-sexuals, Intersexuals, Crossdressers, Transvestites, and all other Transgender individuals however they may be defined.

    TransFaith on-line seeks to be inclusive of all spiritual traditions and orientation -- while placing a particular emphasis on support and education within the Christian tradition and Christian communities.

     

     

     

    State & Local Organizations
     

    State and Local Progressive
    Interfaith Organizations
     

    This directory is provided by the Interfaith Working Group Online to help you
    find an organization in your area. We have no official relationship with the
    groups listed, and we have no idea if their policies will be compatible with your
    beliefs.
     

    Arizona

     

    We are Christian Clergy:

  • grounded in the witness of the Bible

  • convinced of God's unconditional love for all people

  • raising a voice against Christian intolerance that promotes condemnation, discrimination, and hatred.

  • advocating justice for all, especially Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transgendered persons.

    The time has come to share an alternative Christian perspective on the issue of homosexuality. Conservative political and Christian rhetoric condemning homosexuals has monopolized public perception of the stance of religious persons on this issue. We disagree with these views of condemnation and judgement.

    We believe that homosexual persons are people of wholeness and worth, entitled to a complete and full life. We are convinced that the Bible makes clear God's unconditional love and acceptance of all people. We therefore welcome homosexual persons, as we welcome all people, into our Christian communities and organizations.

    We regret that the judgemental pronouncements of some political and Christian leaders have characterized homosexual persons as inherently more sinful and/or immoral than their heterosexual counterparts. We disagree with these views, and feel that interpretations of the Bible used to support such views are inaccurate and incomplete. We believe that homosexual persons are no more sinful and are of equal character and personal integrity as any other group of people.

    The divisive rhetoric concerning the issue of homosexuality has invaded our churches and denominations with inflammatory, misleading, and politically-driven arguments. Polarization and mistrust have often displaced communication and understanding. We hope for a renewal of meaningful discourse, and look forward to genuine dialogue with all persons regarding this issue.

    We believe that there are many unheard voices who share these convictions and welcome all persons who are moved to stand together in support of the unconditional inclusive love of God. We are committed to work and pray for understanding and strength as the journey continues.

    •  

    California

     

    Gay Ministries Committee,
    Council of Churches of Santa Clara County
     

    Why? Because spirituality is an important part of each individual
    and each individual is an important part of the spiritual life of the community.

    VISION STATEMENT - Adopted September 30, 2000:

    To work for the inclusion and active participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons (LGBT persons) in churches, synagogues, religious and spiritual groups and in the spiritual life of the greater community.
     

    The purposes of this ministry include the following:

    1. To counter the homophobic rhetoric contained in newspapers and other media.
    2. To open up the absence of discussion about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered issues in churches.
    3. To build bridges between LGBT communities and religious communities.
    4. To provide support for churches, synagogues and spiritual groups making the effort to become open and affirming.
    5. To make evident to all that there are many open and affirming churches and spiritual groups both in our area and around the nation that are in active ministry and partnership with LGBT persons and communities.
    6. To provide examples and guidelines for ministering to the LGBT community.
    7. To support churches, synagogues and spiritual groups in their efforts to get beyond only the decision to become open and affirming.
    8. To work with churches, synagogues and spiritual groups in providing healing to LGBT persons in the area of spirituality.
    9. To provide worship services, workshops and special events where parents, families and friends of LGBT persons can gather together with them openly for worship, awareness and further education on the issues.
     

     

    Colorado
     

    GLBT Religious Research Group

    A Research Group of the Colorado School of Professional Psychology

    GLBT Religious Research Group

    The GLBT Religious Research Group is affiliated with the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. We are currently engaging in several research projects involving the religious/spiritual, relationship, and psychological health of gay, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. If you are interested in participating in the studies, more information will be posted soon.

     

    Ohio

     

    The Shepherd Initiative works for the unconditional inclusion of GLBT people within the Christian community, following the example of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd through:

    • Fostering the development of GLBT welcoming and affirming churches

    • Supporting and encouraging inclusive congregations

    • Building bridges of understanding

    • Promoting healing relationships

    • Advocating for change

    Pennsylvania

    Pennsylvania All Together Now, is an ecumenical group in the Greater Lehigh Valley for Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, Co-gendered, Queer, Questioning, or Allied persons, to further full inclusion in our local Christian churches.

     

    Purpose Statement

    The Christian Association is a public voice, a
    safe place and a training ground for those who
    seek to embrace a socially engaged, holistic
    and intellectual Christian gospel principle of
    Love.

    Mission Statement

    Our mission is to advocate for peace and justice and educate for faith development of the
    Penn community.

     

    Virginia

    We who are gay and lesbian know how powerful the pain of homophobia can be. We know how isolating it is to grow up "different" and the stress that can come from making decisions about whether, when or how to come out to those we love. While all of the same issues face us as those who are straight, we also face other issues not experienced by the straight community: homophobia, the devastating effects of AIDS on the gay community, the prejudice and pain we have experienced from the church, politics, media, and nearly every other venue possible.

    We may be especially wary of coming to a "pastoral counseling" setting when we have heard time and again the view of many churches that "homosexuality is sin." Still painful on top of this is that for some of us, we have internalized these messages and feel as though we cannot be any other way, but we are wrong the way we are. Struggling with issues of sexual identity, and trying to figure out where we fit in can be daunting for all of the reasons above, as well.
     

     

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