Believe Out Loud: New initiative promotes LGBT inclusion in faith communities

A collection of religious and secular advocacy organizations has launched a collaborative program to accelerate the movement toward full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in communities of faith.

Believe Out Loud, which debuted on Valentine's Day, aims to increase the number of religious individuals and institutions who actively support LGBT rights; equip religious leaders to begin the conversation about LGBT inclusion in congregations; and support advocacy efforts within denominations and society at large. The Believe Out Loud website promotes strategies such as advertising and community organizing, and offers tools and resources for clergy, lay leaders, youth, advocates and allies.

Last year, the Religious Institute introduced Acting Out Loud, an online, multifaith resource for clergy and congregations that want to move beyond welcome toward a wider embrace and deeper involvement of LGBT persons and their families in congregational life. The guide provides background on the diversity of the LGBT population, links to resources across a range of Christian, Jewish and Unitarian Universalist traditions, and ideas and approaches recommended by leading clergy, theologians and advocates.  Acting Out Loud also offers guidance for creating ministries and policies that support the diverse needs of LGBT persons, addressing sexuality issues in congregations, leading a congregation through a formal welcoming process, and speaking out on behalf of LGBT concerns.