Celebrating LGBT Pride in Your Congregation

"Gay Pride," as it used to be called, began as a political observance, commemorating the Stonewall riots in New York City in late June 1969, an important turning point in the movement for lesbian and gay civil rights. Today, LGBT Pride is celebrated in communities worldwide -- including communities of faith.

How Will You Observe Pride?

Any day in June is appropriate to pray for LGBT equality during worship, sponsor a social event celebrating Pride, host a guest speaker or educational program addressing LGBT concerns, or take steps toward greater inclusion in your congregation. But there is perhaps no better time than the last weekend in June, when LGBT Pride marches take place in cities around the world. The Religious Institute has created and collected resources to help your congregation observe Pride the weekend of June 25-27.

Acting Out Loud

This is a multifaith, online resource for faith communities that want to move beyond welcome toward a wider embrace of LGBT people and their families. Acting Out Loud explores the diversity of populations within the LGBT community and suggests dozens of practical steps that congregations can take to address the specific pastoral needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

A Time to Seek

A Time to Seek is a congregational study guide on sexual and gender diversity. Useful for individual study or group discussion, A Time to Seek offers an introduction to the science of sexual orientation and gender identity, and explores new understandings of Scriptural texts related to sexuality and gender.

Open Letter on Sexual and Gender Diversity

The Religious Institute has launched a national campaign to secure at least 1,000 signatures on its Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Sexual and Gender Diversity by Monday, June 28 -- the 41st anniversary of the Stonewall riots. If you are clergy or a religious professional, click here to read and endorse the Open Letter, which makes a faith-based argument for LGBT civil rights and full inclusion in our faith communities. And encourage your colleagues to sign on as well! You may also download the Open Letter to share with members of your congregation.

Other Resources

Click on the attachments below to download a responsive reading and a bulletin insert marking LGBT Pride Month.

Attachment: 

LGBT Pride Responsive Reading

LGBT Pride Bulletin Insert