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Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach

5450 East Atherton Street
Long Beach, California 90815
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562-597-8445
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Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach

Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach

A church that Sides with Love. Join us.
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Home » About Us » LGBTQ+ Welcoming

LGBTQ+ Welcoming

Unitarian Universalism and LGBTQ+ Issues: History & Facts

Unitarian Universalism is widely known for its commitment to welcome and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + plus (LGBTQ+) individuals and families.

We are one of the few religions that ordains openly LGBTQ+ people, and the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) also provides assistance in their settlement. Our LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ+ 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 LGBTQ+ people, and 76% 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 LGBTQ+ 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 as called.

LGBTQ+ Group

Michael Lyde, Co-Facilitator
Mimi Gephart-Seeley, Co-Facilitator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In October 2019 an LGBTQ+ Focus Group was convened by the Ministerial Search Committee (MSC) as part of their process to understand the ministerial needs of LGBTQ+ members. Seven people attended, including the MSC organizer Mimi Gephart-Seeley. There was a collective interest in gathering again to socialize and explore the idea of forming a LGBTQ+ affinity group in the near future.

A meeting was organized for an LGBTQ+ focus group, to meet with Rev. Lissa. This time Mimi employed the assistance of Michael Lyde—long-time UUCLB Member, leader, organizer and member of the Interim Ministry Transition Team. Michael and Mimi have a vision to start-up a new LGBTQ+ group. With plans in the near future to begin hosting social and virtual gatherings with self-identified LGBTQ+ members of the congregation and to host a brainstorming session. Look for specific information in the monthly ADVANCE or in the weekly Order of Service. Contact our facilitators to find out how the group may be meeting with our current limited ability to gather.

Contact the Facilitators

Section Navigation
  • About Us
  • Congregational History
  • Our Beliefs
    • About Unitarian Universalism
      • Our Symbol: The Flaming Chalice
    • UU Principles & Sources
      • Kids’ Principles
  • Our Mission
  • Our Governance
  • Safer Congregation Task Force
  • LGBTQ+ Welcoming
  • Minister and Staff
    • Minister’s Welcome
  • Board and Officers
  • Minister’s Message
  • Contact Us
  • Location
    • Facility Uses
    • Accessibility of Building and Programs
    • COVID-19 Campus Usage Protocols

Upcoming Services

  • The Path of Love
    February 5, 2023 10:00 AMRev. Lissa Gundlach

    ONSITE and on Zoom, and Facebook LIVE. Come explore the many paths of love for self and others with Small Group Ministry Facilitator Laura Scully, Naomi Yoshida, and Rev. Lissa. This Sunday features guest musician Tracy LJ Robertson joining Director of Music Ministries Francisco … read more.

       

      Unitarian Universalist Church of Long Beach

      5450 East Atherton Street
      Long Beach, California 90815
      Get Directions

      562-597-8445
      Contact Us

      Member Info

      Minister

      Reverend Lissa Gundlach is our Called Minister, creating a vibrantly diverse and inclusive Unitarian Universalist beloved community, bringing joy and commitment to her ministry.

      Minister's Message.

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