LGBTQ

As a Welcoming and Affirming/Open and Affirming Church, Emmanuel Friedens Church welcomes and affirms all persons without regard to gender, marital status, age, race, sexual orientation, or abilities, inviting all into membership, mission and leadership.

Since 1998, the congregation of Emmanuel-Friedens Church has been a member church in the Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists (AWAB) and also an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ (ONA).  Since that time we have welcomed many folks of all gender orientations and expressions.

We believe that it isn't enough to be "welcoming" and "open."  We also must affirm and honor the legitimacy of all significant relationships, inviting everyone into full participation and leadership of the church.    

We consistently support LGBT youth in our community, welcoming speakers from PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network), and Unity House-Safety Zone, a drop-in center for GLBT teens. The church has hosted both the Shower of Stoles and the Capital Pride Singers. 

We support gay student associations and gay/straight alliances in our local high schools, and we annually award a "Dignity for All" scholarship in each area high school to for a graduating student (gay or straight) who best represents the inclusiveness we strive for.

Emmanuel-Friedens has also adopted and offered the "Our Whole Lives" sexuality education curriculum, a joint venture of the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian-Universalist Association.

Please visit these related links:

The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists

Rainbow Baptists

Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America

The United Church of Christ Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns

PFLAG - Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

GLSEN (pronounced "glisten") is the Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network

The Shower of Stoles Project

Capital Pride Singers

Soulforce Campaign to Stop Spiritual Violence

Lambda Legal

Planned Parenthood