“Our congregation values inclusion across faith experiences, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and cultural backgrounds. We believe it is our responsibility to bring the kingdom of God to our world through our love of and service to others. We believe that affirming More Light makes a statement about these beliefs to the world, making clear our commitment to include all voices and value all of our brothers, sisters, and siblings.”
Folks at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR celebrating a special MLP service in 2016, during General Assembly 222.
Visible, tangible welcome for LGBTQIA+ persons isn’t just a Gospel imperative, it’s an incredible tool for evangelism. There has never been a better time to become a More Light church. While many strides have been made for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and rights, too many LGBTQIA+ people do not feel they have a place to worship. Though welcome for all God’s children might seem obvious within your congregation, do others outside of your walls know of your commitment and support for LGBTQIA+ persons in the church? Becoming More Light is a great way to ensure people in your community know your congregation or group is a welcoming and affirming place to encounter God.
Need to update your congregation’s information?
Follow the link below to update your congregation or campus group’s information.
Is your congregation in the early stages of becoming More Light, or do you have questions about the process?
We hope the process for discernment around becoming More Light will be fruitful for individuals and your group as a whole, and we recognize not everyone will be in the same place in their journey toward LGBTQIA+ inclusion. With that in mind, we hope our Becoming More Light Resource Page will be helpful in the process. We are also always happy to talk with you about the process, so feel free to contact us if you have ANY questions!
Is your church ready to become More Light? If so, follow these steps:
To become a More Light Church, your session or group leadership will need to formally vote to endorse the mission statement of More Light Presbyterians:
To become a More Light Church, your session or group leadership will need to formally vote to endorse the mission statement of More Light Presbyterians:“Following the risen Christ, and seeking to make the Church a true community of hospitality, the mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.”
(It is not necessary for a separate statement to be created to become a More Light church, although some Sessions or groups decide to write an additional statement beyond affirmation of the MLP mission statement. Each session must decide how to live out the call to be More Light.)
Fill out the “Become A More Light Church” form below. Also, encourage individual members to join MLP to stay up to date on news and events, by joining More Light as Individuals.
Fill out the “Become A More Light Church” form below. Once you submit your form, you will receive an email with details on how to make your congregation’s membership contribution electronically.
Each gift furthers our ability to resource congregations exploring welcome.
Your church becomes part of a national community of hope and equality!
We’ll post an announcement and celebration of your new More Light status on our blog and social media. One of our staff-members will follow up about additional resources you might need. We list your church on our map and directory of More Light Churches. You may use MLP logos, banners, and materials as part of your congregation communications. Consider joining one of our networking groups on key issue areas to help your congregation further their welcome.