In the Summer of 2005, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Las Cruces began the process of becoming a Welcoming Congregation. In becoming a Welcoming Congregation, we seek to increase our understanding and acceptance of individuals of all sexual orientations. Nine individuals were selected to form on the WC committee and participate in a 14-week program developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). The committee reports regularly to the congregation on its progress. In addition, the WC Committee conducts workshops and events designed to increase awareness of GLBT (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgendered) issues.

Update (3/21/07). Following a unanimous positive vote by our congregation, the required paperwork was submitted to and accepted by the UUA. It's official...

 

What Is The Welcoming Congregation Program?

The Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely volunteer program for congregations that see a need to become more inclusive towards bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people. It consists of a series of workshops developed by the UUA. The goal of the workshops is to reduce prejudice by increasing understanding and acceptance among people of all sexual orientations. Some of the workshop titles include: How Homophobia Hurts Heterosexuals; Connections to Other Forms of Oppression; Gender Socialization and Homophobia; and Biblical Perspectives on Homosexuality. Many congregations offer the workshop series several consecutive times as an adult religious education curriculum open to all members and friends. In some congregations the workshop series (and later the entire program) is sponsored by a Welcoming Congregation Task Force/Committee created for just this purpose, while other congregations sponsor the workshop series through their Interweave chapters. In either case, the workshops are best facilitated by those that have experienced the curriculum.

Why Just Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and/or Transgender People?

Why single out gay, lesbian, Bisexual, and/or transgender people? The Rev. Douglas Morgan Strong probably states it best in the Welcoming Congregation manual: ÑFor centuries, the church has been a leading force against sexual minorities. It is not surprising that gay people are reluctant to reach out to the very institution that oppresses them. Yet, gay, lesbian, [transgender], and bisexual people have no less need for warmth, caring, and affirmation than anyone else who calls the liberal church their religious home. In fact, as a subculture in society gay, lesbian, [transgender], and bisexual people may need our support more than the general population.

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