LGBTQI-Welcoming
Unitarian Universalism and LGBT Issues: History & Facts
Unitarian Universalism is widely known for its commitment to welcome and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families.
We are one of the few religions that ordains openly LGBT people, and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) also provides assistance in their settlement. Our LGBT clergy (who are permitted to partner or marry) participate fully in our faith community as pastors in some of our largest congregations.
Unitarian Universalism is proud to perform commitment ceremonies and marriages for couples regardless of gender, and has publicly supported this practice since 1984. The UUA actively encourages member congregations to work for marriage equality in their communities, and leaders continuously advocate for marriage equality on a national level.
Resolutions and actions on immediate witness have been passed at General Assembly on many secular LGBT issues, including discrimination, AIDS, the military, sexual education in public schools, marriage equality, and the employment non-discrimination act.
The UUA offers a Welcoming Congregation program to help congregations become more welcoming to LGBT people, and 63% of Unitarian Universalist congregations in the United States are recognized as Welcoming Congregations.
The denomination has had sexuality education inclusive of issues of sexual orientation since 1971 and adult curriculum on LGBT issues since 1972. The UUA also expects all ministers to show ministerial competency in the area of human sexuality before being approved for ordination.
We have an affinity group that currently meets four times a year:
LGBTQ Group
Facilitator: Linda Savard
This group meets four times a year to celebrate, inquire, share and serve as LGBTQ members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach. Gatherings will take place in January, April, August and December. Look for specific information in the monthly ADVANCE or in the weekly Order of Service.