Arise Campus Ministry
Being a More Light campus group is important to us because we are the only publicly affirming Christian campus ministry group at George Mason University. Our students have long advocated for and been a safe place at GMU, and we want to publicly declare our welcoming statement to all six of the denominations that support Arise.…
Fairfax, VA
Arlington Presbyterian Church
APC Session believes that formally endorsing MLP’s statement and becoming part of a national community of hope and equality is an explicit expression of a value that is fully consistent with who we are, and not a representation of something “new.” As Don Peebles, Clerk of Session, put it, becoming a More Light congregation is akin to “turning on the porch light,” that APC intentionally welcomes LGBTQ+ folks.…
Arlington, VA
Beacon Hill Fellowship
The Beacon Hill Fellowship is a Christian church that aspires to be a caring community of faith serving as a beacon of hope and healing to our hurting world. For us, this means gathering as a congregation to love one another and learn from one another so that we can be liberated to scatter into our social networks to promote God’s dream of a more just, compassionate and humble society. …
Lakeland, FL
Bethany Presbyterian Church
“We come to our views about the relationships and identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons because of our understanding of scripture, not in spite of it.” ~ Pastor Heather
The policy of BPC is FULL inclusion of LGBTQ+ members, including serving in ordained leadership. We are a More Light Presbyteriancongregation, we suport Odyssey Youth Movement and every year we participate in Spokane’s Pride Parade and Rainbow Festival.
Spokane, WA
Bethany Presbyterian Church
Bethany is proud to be a More Light Congregation, which means we fully welcome people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender into the life and ministry of the church.
Takoma, WA
Bethany Presbyterian Church
At Bethany we find a nurturing community of faith, centered in the belief that God in Christ calls us to be family. Through worship, prayer, study and fellowship, we discover God’s presence and love for us in our lives. With grateful hearts, we also seek ways to embody and live out God’s love towards the larger community through hands-on outreach and mission. …
San Bruno, CA
Bethesda Presbyterian Church
OUR HOSPITALITY TO AND EMBRACE OF OUR LGBTQ NEIGHBORS
In our Statement of Welcome at the top of each Sunday’s Worship program, we boldly state and stand by this affirmation: “Bethesda Presbyterian Church is a diverse congregation welcoming all persons to serve Christ as full and active participants in our faith community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identification, or any other personal attribute.” We are also proud that our pastor served 15 years ago on the pioneering national Presbyterian board whose witness opened the door for LGBTQ persons to serve in all levels of church governance – including pastoral ordination.…
Bethesda, MD
Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church
In the early 1990s, the congregation became a More Light Church, publicly affirming the gifts of LGBTQ Christians and signaling the church’s ongoing commitment to be a welcoming church.
Baltimore, MD
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church
More Light
Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church is a member of More Light Presbyterians.
Minneapolis, MN
Caldwell Memorial Presbyterian Church
Our Mission
We seek to build a diverse, intentional, affirming community animated by joyful worship and called forth into social action for service to the greater good.
We seek to hear God’s call not only as individuals but also as a progressive, missional community striving to reflect the Kingdom of God in the here and now.…
Charlotte, NC
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
Welcome to Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA) committed to serving God in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and beyond. Together we explore faith and care for one another and our world. We believe God loves all people, so we welcome all people at CHCP. As a member of More Light Presbyterians, we embrace the full participation of LGBTQ persons in the life of the congregation.…
Washington, DC
Celebration of Life Church
Celebration of Life has been called by God to be a congregation that welcomes and fully values all persons. Our diversity is a gift of God and essential to our witness to the Gospel.
Mesa, AZ
Central Presbyterian Church
Vision Statement
With God’s help we bring together people to worship and work for Christ through prayer and praise, community action and ministries of compassion, spiritual fellowship and nurture. As Christians, we welcome into God’s house all people regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, family status, nationality, faith background, education, abilities or income.…
Kansas City, MO
Central Presbyterian Church
Over the last 8 years, we have become involved in our community, which includes a deeper relationship with those in our community that identify as LGBTQ++. Two years ago, a member of our community who offers counseling to members of the LGBTQ++ community who have experienced violence in their relationships asked if he could use our building for such counseling sessions.…
Mobile, AL
Cherokee Park United Church
LGBTGI+ Commitment
We are a boldly and proudly LGBTQI+ inclusive faith community, welcoming and sharing God’s love for everyone across all orientations and identities, that find themselves here with us for any reason, from the curiously shy, to members, leaders, or pastors.
You are enough, just as you are.
Recently:
- Celebrate and bless our rainbow flag, welcoming all LGBTQI+ people, regardless of your comfort with churchy stuff, or particularly if you are looking because of past experiences.
…
Christ Church Uniting Disciples and Presbyterians
Open and Affirming
Christ Church Uniting is an open and affirming congregation: this means we have made a public covenant of welcome to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions into the full life and ministry of our congregation.
CCU is committed to being an inclusive, progressive church a place where a broad spectrum of persons, perspectives and spiritual paths are welcome to join together in a spirit of Christian fellowship and exploration.…
Kailua, HI
Christ in Terra Linda Church
CPC is proud to be a member of More Light Presbyterians. More Light is a national network of churches that believe in the full inclusion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer community in the life of the church including ordination and marriage. Together, More Light churches work for a world that reflects God’s heart and all-inclusive love.
San Rafael, CA
Church of the Apostles
STATEMENT OF INCLUSIVENESS
“To love our neighbor as ourselves” (Matthew 22:39)
All people are, created in God’s image, and each child of God is unique and wonderful. We celebrate the universal truth proclaimed in Galatians 3:26 and 28, “in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
As members of Presbyterian Church of the Apostles, we strive to love one another as God loves us.…
Burnsville, MN
Church of The Covenant
Church of the Covenant has a history of lobbying for openness and support for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in our congregation, one that proudly continues on today! Highlights from our history include:
- Church of the Covenant became a “More Light” Church within the Presbyterian church in 1980.
- In 1986, Church of the Covenant became the first Congregation in the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ to declare itself “Open and Affirming,” joining only seven churches nationwide that had previously made this decision.
…
Boston, MA
Church of The Pilgrims
Capital Pride
On the second weekend in June, the Capital Pride Parade starts at the front steps of Church of the Pilgrims. Each year, we open our doors for inclusive bathrooms, water, and our air-conditioned sanctuary. Hundreds of Pride-goers come through our doors and Pilgrims is honored to offer hospitality to all those giving witness to the prideful spirit of Washington, DC’s LGBTQ community.…
Washington, DC
Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church
History and Description
Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (CHPC) has a rich heritage benefiting from the merger of three churches: the original St. Andrews Church of South Boston, the Union Square Church of Somerville, and the Trinity Church of Somerville. We have been in our current location, near Tufts University, since the 1920s. We are proudly Presbyterian, with roots in the Reformed tradition, and we seek to be a relevant presence in our community. …
Somerville, MA
Clarendon Presbyterian Church
WHO WE ARE
Clarendon Presbyterian Church (CPC) is a congregation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a member of National Capital Presbytery. We are also members of the More Light Presbyterians network of congregations, working for the full participation of LGBTQ people of faith in the life of the church.…
Arlington, VA
Rev. Scott Clark
More Light Board Co-Moderator
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Rev. Scott Clark serves as Chaplain and Associate Dean of Student Life at San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS). Scott is a graduate of SFTS, and also has worked with the seminary’s Program in Christian Spirituality. Before going to seminary, Scott practiced law for twelve years in Birmingham, Alabama, where he worked mainly on cases involving employment discrimination and constitutional law. …
Collenbrook United Church
Welcome to Collenbrook United Church!
Where All Are Welcome, All The Time, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Drexel Hill, PA
Community of Reconciliation
Our recognition of the gifts of all of God’s people: We began as an intentionally interracial church, and have always welcomed the leadership of men and women. In 2006 we further affirmed our commitment to be a radically inclusive congregation with an addition to our church covenant: “we invite the full participation of all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ability or worldly condition in the life and ministry of our church.” Within each of our partner denominations, we are members of groups working for the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons in life and ministry of the church.
Pittsburgh, PA
Community of The Servant-Savior
An Affirming and Inclusive Church
As a More Light Church, we’re working toward the full participation of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of our shared life–from ministry and witness via the Presbyterian Church (USA)–to all those parts of everyday life that constitute a dignified life. We see diversity as one of God’s many blessings to the community and we choose to further this understanding through our presence and actions in the world.…
Houston, TX
Community Presbyterian Church
We recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. We invite all people to participate in our community and worship life including, but not limited to: believers, seekers, agnostics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and identities, those of all races and cultures, those of all classes and abilities, those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope.…
Pittsburg, CA
Connections @ Shepherd University
Connections @ SU seeks to offer a clear, visible progressive faith presence on the Shepherd University campus. We are committed to building a spiritual community that welcomes and celebrates all kinds of diversity, with particular outreach to LGBTQIA+ students. Our affiliation with More Light Presbyterians will help us amplify our intention to spread the message of God’s abundant love for all people.
Shepherdstown, WV
Rev. Jess Cook
Program & Communications Manager
Gender pronouns: they/them/theirs
Jess Cook is a native of East Texas and lifelong Presbyterian, Jess holds a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary, a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Baylor. Jess was the first openly non-binary person to be ordained as a Minister of The Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA).…
Rev Ashley DeTar-Birt
More Light Board Member
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Ashley DeTar Birt is a recent graduate of Union Theological Seminary where she obtained her M.Div. She also holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Ashley currently works as the Pastoral Fellow for Youth and Families at Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York, NY with some of the most fun kids she’s ever met.…
East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Presently, ELPC has 845 members and friends, who attend up to three worship services offered each week and who reflect the racial, economic, age, gender, and sexual orientation diversity of Greater Pittsburgh. The four pillars of our ministry consist of worship, education, spiritual growth, and mission, and our goal is to provide resources in all these areas for people of all ages and singles or families of all types.…
Pittsburgh, PA
Edgewood Presbyterian Church
Edgewood Presbyterian Church is an open and affirming congregation drawing its membership from throughout the Birmingham metropolitan area. This means we are welcome to worship and to bring our whole self to this community. Whatever our age, race, ethnicity, physical or mental ability, education, financial status, employment, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, there is a sacred space for each of us to participate fully in the life of this community of faith.
Birmingham, AL
Elmhurst Presbyterian Church
Even before the Presbyterian Church USA began its deliberations to change its constitution to ordain and marry LGBTQI+ members, Elmhurst Presbyterian Church was having discussions at the leadership level on how to make our church more welcoming to the LGBTQI+ community. EPC embraces change, particularly on issues of social justice. LGBTQI+ members have served as Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, and Ruling Elders.…
Elmhurst, IL
Fairlington Presbyterian Church
Fairlington Presbyterian Church is a member congregation of More Light Presbyterians, which advocates for the full participation of LGBTQ Christians in the life and ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years we have had LGBTQ members and officers active in our congregation. We believe such diversity enriches and strengthens the body of Christ! …
Alexandria, VA
Fairmount Presbyterian Church
CHURCH SHOULD BE INCLUSIVE.
CHURCH SHOULD BE GENEROUS.
CHURCH SHOULD BE INNOVATIVE.
CHURCH SHOULD BE AUTHENTIC.
CHURCH SHOULD BE RELEVANT.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
God loves us. This belief is at the center of all we do at Fairmount. The God we worship and serve is one who loves us as we are — no questions asked. …
Cleveland Heights, OH
Faith Presbyterian Church
I welcome you to our community at Faith Presbyterian Church. As Reformed and Reforming Christians, we believe in always being open to the fresh winds of the Spirit and wherever she may lead us. Change and diversity are our constants and we embrace them.
One of the things that attracted me to this community of faith is how active this congregation has been in Austin and the surrounding area on issues of poverty, homelessness, hunger, the environment, LGBT equality, interfaith dialogue, peacemaking, and global justice, among many others.…
Austin, TX
Family of Christ Presbyterian Church
Family of Christ is a welcoming and inclusive congregation. We are intercultural, reflecting the many diversities of the Greeley community. We regularly include Spanish in our liturgy to honor the language and heritage of our brothers and sisters who come from Mexico and Central America. We are passionate about justice and peace. We care deeply about each other and about the world.…
Greeley, CO
First Presbyterian Chuch in the City of New York
First Church believes strongly in an open and inclusive church that extends an unqualified welcome. We are a wonderful array of God’s children, representing many ethnicities and cultures, sexual orientations, and economic and social backgrounds; a collection only God could assemble. We invite you to join us as together we respond to the call of God in our lives.
New York, NY
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton (FPCe) is an open and inclusive church. We welcome everyone at the table. FPCe is a proud member of More Light!
The goal of FPCe’s More Light LGBTQ+ Outreach Committee is to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their families and friends — both those who are members of the FPCe congregation and those in the community at large.…
Elizabethton, TN
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church New Haven is a worshiping community of Christian believers dedicated to following Jesus Christ in a just and compassionate ministry. We warmly welcome the full diversity of God’s family in all our races, genders, sexual orientations, ages, nationalities or ethnicities, economic situations, and abilities.
New Haven, CT
First Presbyterian Church
WELCOMING YOU HOME
This is God’s house and all God’s people are welcome.
We celebrate an open Communion table.
If you hunger and thirst for God, please join us on first Sundays and Wednesdays.
We celebrate gifts of the Spirit in all people, every one of us.…
Springfield, IL
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian stands with other Presbyterian congregations as a More Light congregation, meaning that we welcome the participation and leadership of people of all races, abilities, and sexual orientations.
New Orleans, LA
First Presbyterian Church
Statement of Inclusiveness
All people are created in God’s image, and each child of God is unique and wonderful. We celebrate the universal truth proclaimed in Galatians 3:26 and 28, “In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave of free, there is no longer male or female: for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
As members of First Presbyterian of South St.…
South St. Paul, MN
First Presbyterian Church
If you are looking for a church…where you will be loved and accepted regardless of your age, class, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation… where you will be challenged to reflect on your beliefs, acknowledge your doubts, ask your questions, and grow in faith… where God’s desire for compassion, healing, reconciliation, and justice is preached… where you are given the opportunity to put your faith into action… you are welcome here.…
Marcellus, NY
First Presbyterian Church
We are a community of believers who worship and serve God in a changing world. Our congregation fosters relationships with Bowling Green University faculty, students and staff. We welcome and affirm persons of every race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, family status, economic status, and physical, mental, or emotional ability into full participation in our faith community.…
Bowling Green, OH
First Presbyterian Church
More than a year ago, session authorized the creation of our Welcoming Team which was charged with leading us through a journey toward becoming a fully welcoming and inclusive church. What a journey it has been. The Team began with an assessment of our church’s embodiment of welcome. Based on that assessment, we had a good idea of the work we needed to do.…
Urbana, Illinois
First Presbyterian Church
In January of 2018, our session affirmed a desire to move toward more intentional inclusion and diversity in our congregation. To that end, in October, the Session created a task force at the recommendation of the Invitation and Integration team to explore the possibility of affiliating with More Light Presbyterians (MLP). The task force’s objective was to look at what it means to be a MLP congregation, compare similar organizations, and identify any changes needed to better serve, represent, and honor all of who we are — specifically our LGBTQ family members.…
Birmingham, Al
First Presbyterian Church
For years, our church has informally become more and more open to the open engagement of LGBTQ in all areas of our church’s life. That began 12 years when a same sex couple came requesting baptism for their daughter. From that point forward people got to know the couple, and especially Jeannie, who became a leader in our children’s ministry.…
Hollywood, FL
First Presbyterian Church
We have been an openly welcoming church for several years and we want to be even more visible and supportive in the future. By becoming a More Light Church, we not only support the organization but make ourselves known to the greater community. We are a church that puts love and grace first by celebrating our LGBTQ+ community.
Morgantown, WV
First Presbyterian Church
First Birmingham began to wrestle with inclusion of all persons in 1990s. We held classes and congregation-wide discussions. it culminated seven years ago when we adopted our “handle” as Everybody’s Church and our new inclusion statement: As Everybody’s Church we strive to be a faithful, open and inclusive community. We welcome the full participation of all people of any ability, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other life circumstance.…
Birmingham, MI
First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale
First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale is excited to be part of the More Light Presbyterians family—a decision which is consistent with our mission statement: “Seeking the Faith, Sharing the Spirit, Serving God’s People.” God’s abundance is on full display at “First Pres”—where members of LGBTQIA+ communities not only welcomed, but loved and celebrated for being exactly who you are, and who God has called you to be. …
Carbondale, IL
First Presbyterian Church of Gilbertsville
It is imperative to our church that all people feel welcome and safe.
Gilbertsville, NY
First Presbyterian Church of Hudson
WE WELCOME ALL AT 1ST
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH!
We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, or no habla Ingles. Whether you used to work on Wall Street, or if you used to sleep on Wall Street you’re welcome here. Maybe you can sing like Andrea Bocelli, or maybe you can’t carry a tune in a bucket – it doesn’t matter here!…
Hudson, NY
First Presbyterian Church of Milledgeville
Our congregation has always been progressive in matters of inclusion, and we recognize the way the church has harmed LGBTQ+ persons. We wish to communicate that we are a safe place for all, especially for the college youth in our town who otherwise experience hostility and exclusion from the conservative community. We wish to not only welcome, but affirm and support our beloved neighbors.
Milledgeville, GA
First Presbyterian Church of Oakland
We are called to be Christ’s partners in reconciliation, sharing the good news of God’s radically inclusive, welcoming love.
As a More Light Presbyterian congregation, we strive to provide a welcome for LGBTQ people.
As a multicultural community, we are intentional about living as the Beloved Community.
As a multi-age family, we recognize the gifts children and youth bring to worship and community life.
Oakland, CA
First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown
There are three statements that are the touchstones for our congregation:
1. Knowing that all community is a gift of God, we affirm there can be no exclusiveness about the body of Christ. We welcome into our community and membership all people of God regardless of ethnic heritage, national origin, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic standing; and we encourage the full participation of all in the life of our congregation.…
Cold Spring, NY
First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis
First Presbyterian Church of St. Louis, a community of faith since 1817, is a More Light congregation. We are dedicated to the full inclusion of all God’s children in our community of faith, welcoming people of every race; ethnicity; age; sex; physical, mental, or emotional condition; sexual or gender orientation; and economic, cultural, or religious background.…
St. Louis, MO
First Presbyterian Church, Little Falls, NY
In today’s divisive and challenging cultural climate, we believe that it is important to be a beacon of love that warmly welcomes all in our community. We are all created in the image of God and called to share God’s light with the world. As Jesus said, “Let you light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.” Becoming a More Light congregation isn’t about us being good; it’s about others having the opportunity to see that God is good and is love.…
Little Falls, NY
First Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Des Moines
First Presbyterian Church Des Moines IA
First United Church of Oak Park
We welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people into the full life and ministry of the church, including ordination, expecting and encouraging them to share their talents and gifts in the life, liturgy, leadership, and employment positions of our congregation, as our ministers, teachers, members, visitors, and friends.
Both of our denominations — Presbyterian Church (USA) and United Church of Christ — now welcome LGBTQ members.…
Oak Park, IL
First United Presbyterian Church
A MORE LIGHT CHURCH…
- acknowledges the homophobia in ourselves and works to overcome it with the reconciling love of Christ;
- seeks more light on the relationships of spirituality and sexuality from the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians and supports them in developing lives of integrity and faithfulness;
- embraces the issues of other marginalized groups of people within our denomination and advocates for their inclusion in our lives and the life of the church.
…
Troy, NY
Flagstaff Federated Community Church
OUR VALUES
We are a diverse community of faith that gathers inclusively and celebrates the person God is creating each of us to be. Connected by our love of God and our commitment to demonstrate Christ’s love through action, we welcome individuals of all races, nationalities, family structures, economic situations, sexual orientations, gender identities, and theological backgrounds.…
Flagstaff, AZ
Gates Presbyterian Church
In the fall of 2017 the session of Gates Presbyterian Church began to explore meaningful conversations about how our congregation can practice more intentional welcome, including with our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) members. We invited a neighboring pastor, to come talk to the session about what it means to be a “More Light” church and about their church’s long involvement in being a welcoming congregation with the LGBTQ community.…
Rochester, NY
Ginter Park Presbyterian Church
Welcoming Statement
We at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, celebrate the diversity of God’s creation. In light of God’s unconditional grace and Jesus’ hospitality, we welcome into our fellowship all who desire to be part of this community of faith. We affirm all people equally, regardless of social, economic or marital status, race, ability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or previous religious affiliation.…
Richmond, VA
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
Who we are
What we’re about
We’re authentic, down-to-earth folks:
what you see is what you get
We’re a caring, supportive community:
people look out for one another
Our Christian faith is open and thoughtful:
sermon ideas last the week
We hear Jesus’ call to follow him as an invitation
to grow in love and to serve
We’re an unapologetically progressive, mission-oriented church
We see life as a journey: doing justly,
loving mercy, walking humbly with God
We’re a Bread for the World, Peacemaking,
More Light congregation
We’re inclusive: whoever you are,
wherever you’ve been, welcome!…
Chicago, IL
Govans Presbyterian Church
Govans Presbyterian Church is an inclusive fellowship striving to love God, grow in Christ, and build relationships, through service to others.
In living out this purpose we believe the following values make us a distinctive Christian fellowship:
- We embrace a variety of understandings about Jesus of Nazareth, the nature of God, and the Christian faith.
…
Baltimore, MD
Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
GCPC has long been an affirming community for LGBTQIA people and families. This step is an overdue one in making this part of who we already are a more public part of our identity in the PCUSA.
Asheville, NC
Grace Presbyterian Church
Grace Presbyterian Church (formerly University Presbyterian Church) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is the first More Light Presbyterian church in the state of Alabama.
Although it had been a campus ministry and student center from its beginning in 1952, UPC was chartered as a church in 1966, in the midst of the Civil Rights movement. During that time, UPC not only became one of the few places in Tuscaloosa where people of all races could worship together, but its facility was opened to speakers and activist groups who were denied meeting space elsewhere in the community or on campus.…
Tuscaloosa, AL
Grace United Church
You are family. It’s true.
You are our family, and we invite you to find your home at Grace! We invite you to experience the warmth and openness of Grace United Church, where we offer you the same invitation Christ extends to each one of us, no matter who you are, or where your journey has taken you in the past. …
Fort Atkinson, WI
Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church
Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church welcomes people of every ability, age, economic station, gender, gender identity, marital status, national origin, political ideology, race and sexual orientation to full participation in the life of our community.
“Full participation in the life of our community “ includes all members, without exception, being fully eligible to participate in the blessings, benefits and responsibilities of church membership- including communion, baptism, marriage, ordination, and all offices and positions of leadership.…
Grosse Ile, MI.
Rev Jenny Hardin
More Light Board Member and Secretary
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
Jenny Hardin is a graduate of the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and serves as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. She enjoys crafting and leading worship and spiritual life retreats, and she is always looking for new adventures. Right now, Jenny is enjoying getting to know her Stillwater family and exploring Oklahoma.
Highland Presbyterian Church
Highland Presbyterian Church has always been a place of welcome and inclusion. However, we have chosen this moment in history to become a More Light Church because we feel it is now more important than ever to stand up for folks in the LGBTQ community, to support them, and to loudly proclaim that this is a safe space for them to be who God created them to be.
Louisville, KY
Ethel Hornbeck
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: she/her, hers
Ethel Hornbeck is the Director of Spiritual Formation and Campus Ministry at Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church, where she has been shaping education and spiritual formation programming for the last 12 years (including a series of events that culminated in SPC formally affiliating with More Light Presbyterians in 2014.) She also works with students at Shepherd University in a campus ministry project called Connections.…
Huguenot Memorial Church
We are a diverse congregation just outside of NYC. Our focus is on hospitality. We want all of God’s children to find a place at our church and experience the fullness of God’s love in community with opportunities to serve and to lead.
Pelham, NY
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
Our Mission Statement
We believe that all people are children of God and affirm the worth and dignity of all races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, genders and sexual orientations. Recognizing that we are an increasingly diverse culture and that there are differences among us, we make a commitment to lovingly accept our diversity, as did Christ, with respect, compassion and understanding. …
Anchorage, AK
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
Immanuel already values inclusion across faith experiences, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and cultural backgrounds – this is reflected in the great variety of peoples on our staff and in our membership. It is our responsibility and our joy to bring the kingdom and the kin-dom of God to our world through love and service to others.…
McLean, Virginia
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
In its beginning, the congregation of Immanuel Presbyterian Church adopted a mission statement which included the words, “called to be a sanctuary of welcome for all people”. Long supportive of More Light Presbyterians, active in the community as advocates, the congregation felt its calling wide and deep, but never actually signed on as a member of More Light.…
Montgomery, AL
Jacksonville Campus Ministry
We are the only campus ministry at UNF that will even have a relationship with the LGBT Resource Center. We are in the midst of wolves and are committed to work among and with our siblings. Jacksonville Campus Ministry welcomes all who are seeking God’s love and grace. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status.…
Jacksonville, FL
Jan Hus Presbyterian Church
Inclusive. We welcome all to worship with us, no matter their social or economic circumstance, gender, race or sexual orientation. We are a member of the More Light movement, a network of individual members and congregations within the Presbyterian Church (USA) working for full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Church.…
New York, NY
Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks
More Light Board Co-Moderator
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation at Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. She is an enthusiastic, creative and thoughtful woman always open to new opportunities to support and sustain the life of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Amy Kim, along with her husband Justin, children Natalily and Isaiah enjoy life together in OH-IO learning new things everyday about living it the mid-west.
Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church
We are an inclusive church, believing all of God’s children are welcome here. In recognizing there are communities who face discrimination on many levels, we intentionally reach out to them. This, in part, has empowered us to become a More Light church; sharing the light of Christ with our sisters and brothers in the LGBTQ+ community, while letting the world know that the light of Christ is for all.
Dallas, TX.
Lake View Presbyterian Church
Who We Are: A congregation who is faithful to God’s call and believes that God continues to open new understandings of scripture and the Word in the life of Chirst.
Goals/Objectives:
— Provide a ministry of care and inclusiveness
— Support the LGBT Community in matters of justice
— Bear witness to the individual God-given gifts of LGBTQ people in the Presbyterian Church
— Creating Pride Month and National Coming Out Day services
— Participating in the LGBTQ Pride parade
Chicago, IL
Lakeview Presbyterian Church
Lakeview Presbyterian Church is a vibrant and growing church with both a tremendous history to share and an exciting story still unfolding. We come from a great many walks of life and are a diverse and dynamic community that believes that there is place for ALL God’s children. We are, in every sense , a family.…
New Orleans, LA
Light Street Presbyterian
Statement of Inclusiveness
June 13, 1996
WHEREAS the Light Street Presbyterian Church believes that all human beings are created by God, and
WHEREAS the congregation believes that the following statements of inclusion from the Book of Order are a faithful attempt to follow the example of Jesus Christ:
“Our unity in Christ enables and requires the church to be open to all persons and to the varieties of talents and gifts of God’s people” (G-4.0402);
“Persons of all racial ethnic groups, different ages, both sexes, various disabilities, diverse geographical areas, different theological positions consistent with the Reformed tradition, as well as different marital conditions (married, single, widowed, or divorced) shall be guaranteed full participation” (G-4.0403);
“No persons shall be denied membership because of race, ethnic origin, world condition, or any other reason not related to profession of faith“ (G-5.0103); and
WHEREAS the congregation recognizes that “the church has been slow in its understanding of its own excluding behavior, as evidenced by its slowness to understand the evils of slavery and segregation and centuries-long denial of ordination to women” (Overture from Baltimore Presbytery to the 1996 General Assembly);
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Light Street Presbyterian Church affirms the right of all its members to full participation, including ordination as Elder and Minister of Word and Sacrament, regardless of their race, ethnic background, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
Baltimore, MD
Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church
With God’s help, we can do great things! At Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church, we strive to demonstrate the open, inclusive, accepting and compassionate love of Jesus Christ. We pray, sing, study and worship in old ways and new inviting families of all sorts – singles, couples and children – to nurture their faith in a growing and vibrant congregation. …
Chicago, IL
Madison Square Presbyterian Church
Grounded in the core values of inclusion and diversity and bearing witness to the unconditional love of God, Madison Square Presbyterian Church will become the home for worship, nurture, education, and social justice in downtown San Antonio.
The mission of Madison Square Presbyterian Church is:
- to be a community that is open and welcoming to all people, without regard for nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or socio-economic status;
- to bear witness, both in word and in deed, to the universal and unconditional love of God as made known through Jesus of Nazareth;
- to minister to the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of its members, their families, and any others in need of such ministry;
- to serve actively and creatively as an agent of love, reconciliation, peace, and justice in the community and in the world;
- to work in harmony with all who share any aspect of this mission;
- in all things, to seek and be receptive to the guidance of the Spirit of God.
…
San Antonio, TX
Madrona Grace Presbyterian Church
About Us
Our circle is always open. We specifically affirm and welcome into the full life, worship and leadership of the church those who have been and are excluded by the barriers of human creation, whether it be by race, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, ancestry, history, gender identity, geography, or legal status.…
Seattle, WA
Maryland Presbyterian Church
Welcoming and Affirming
We believe that God calls us into communities that recognize we are all on a journey and that we are often at different places on that journey. We take seriously Jesus’s model of reaching out and welcoming everyone. We believe that life in community is strengthened by diversity and by the unique gifts each person brings, irrespective of gender, age, race, class or sexual orientation.
Towson, MD
Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church
The Session of Maxwell Street Presbyterian Church voted unanimously to join with other Presbyterian Churches to work for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in our church. Toward that end, the congregation has been fully inclusive in the election of church officers and has elected LGBTQ people each year for the past 10 years. The Session has written and received endorsement from Transylvania Presbytery to send an Authoritative Interpretation and proposed an Amendment to the Church Constitution to allow for weddings of LGBTQ couples in states where such marriages are legal, with the approval of the pastor and Session of each particular church where such a wedding is requested. …
Lexington, KY
Mckinley Memorial Presbyterian Church
We are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and a More Light congregation in our denomination, with LGBTQ people participating fully alongside straight allies.
Champaign, IL
Rev. Alex Patchin McNeill
Executive Director
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Alex Patchin McNeill has served as the Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians since 2013. During his tenure at More Light, he has equipped congregations to live into policy change for inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people and has successfully enacted policies for marriage equality in the Presbyterian Church, USA. Under his leadership, More Light now serves as a capacity-building organization, equipping congregations to work intersectionally on justice issues.…
Montclair Presbyterian Church
Everyone is Welcome
Everyone is welcome at Montclair Presbyterian Church. Our community lives by two welcoming principles: spiritual inclusivity and radical hospitality.
Radical Hospitality
We are a community that embraces God’s radically inclusive love. Everyone is welcome at the communion table.
We lay claim to the Biblical imperatives of:
- welcoming the marginalized
- giving voice to the oppressed
- honoring all people
We welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBT) by:
- supporting their full participation in the Presbyterian Church (USA)
- working for LGBT ordination with More Light Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve, and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians
- declaring ourselves a More Light church, officially affirming these values, in 1987.
…
Oakland, CA
Montevallo Presbyterian Church
Montevallo Presbyterian Church warmly invites and welcomes persons who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as all who seek to deepen their relationship with God.
Our culture is a diverse one comprised of many different types of people, and while many institutions choose to practice a policy of exclusion, Montevallo Presbyterian Church chooses to practice acceptance and welcome for all people.…
Montevallo, AL
Dr. Mati Moros
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
Matilde Moros, PhD, is a theological social ethicist working in the field of gender, sexuality and women’s studies. The ethics of resistance and subversion of hegemonic world-views and narratives of power lead her teaching and learning toward a counter-narrative “testimonio” method of decolonial, transnational feminist ethics. Feminist social ethics must respond to sexual and gender violence and the multiple intersections of which race and its various social constructions has led to the exclusion from centers of power of many peoples including Latin American and Latinx communities.…
Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church
This is Christ’s church, and together we are seeking to love the world as Christ did. We seek to be as inclusive and embracing as Jesus was. Therefore, everyone is invited into full membership and ministry, regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, ethnic origin, ability, or worldly condition.
Cincinnati, OH
New Bridges Presbyterian Church
New Bridges Presbyterian Church is unique. It’s a small congregation with a passion for serving God, a big vision, two campuses, and a diverse congregation. We come from many parts of the world, with a variety of spiritual experiences.
Out of two Presbyterian Churches, Mt Eden and Westminster Hills, we became one in April of 2011.…
Hayward, CA
New Covenant Community
More Light/Open and Affirming Statement
We the people of New Covenant Community, warmly welcome all who wish to share our spiritual journey as followers of Christ. In light of current controversies within the churches, we intend by this Resolution to make explicit our welcome to all persons without regard to sexual orientation. This welcome includes our readiness to elect persons to all leadership offices within the congregation without regard to sexual orientation. …
Normal, IL
New Hope Presbyterian Church
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.
MLP’s logo reflects our mission and incorporates the communion elements of bread and wine, as well as rainbow colors evocative of stained glass church windows.…
Columbus, GA
New York Ave. Presbyterian Church
NYAPC is a community of faith in the heart of Washington DC, furthering God’s transforming work, challenging the powerful, standing with the oppressed, lifting up the broken-hearted, and making God’s love and justice visible by welcoming and loving all.
Washington, DC
Newport Presbyterian Church
In the 1990s, members of Newport Presbyterian Church, in Bellevue, WA, formed a committee on GLBT rights to push for full inclusion in the life of the church, and our Session began a study of the issues around ordination. We also began to ordain openly gay and lesbian elders. In the 2000s, our head pastor defied church rules by performing weddings for “all committed loving couples,” and in 2012 he spoke up in a local television ad about clergy who supported a state referendum for same-sex marriage.…
Bellevue, WA.
Noble Road Presbyterian Church
You are welcome – we mean it!
One of the often seen signs in churches is the proclamation, “All Are Welcome.” Noble Roaders work very hard at living into that creed. We take seriously the portion of the Mission Statement that reads: We welcome and include persons without regard to cultural boundaries including race, age, gender identity, mental condition, sexual orientation, or economic class. …
Cleveland Heights. OH
Noe Valley Ministry
Values
- Cultural and spiritual diversity. Wherever you are on your journey of faith you are welcome. We open our doors to people of all faiths.
- We practice inclusivity in our membership, our leadership, and our language. Our language for God’s people incorporates male and female. Our language for God is intentionally genderless and non-hierarchical.
…
San Francisco, CA
North Anderson Community Church
Our Mission
The NACCP family embraces all as we seek love, justice and peace in our fragile world. We
celebrate our differences as we demonstrate openness, compassion and understanding.
As a family of God’s people and believers in the teachings of Jesus Christ, we will seek to be
a haven of safety for those who might need one, a light of hope for all who seek healing, and a ministry of compassion for those who feel left out.…
Anderson, SC
Northern Light United Church
No matter who you are, no matter where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
Northern Light United Church (NLUC) is a multicultural union congregation affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA) with ministry emphases in social justice, music, youth, and Native Ministries. Northern Light is a More Light/Reconciling congregation.…
Juneau, AK
Northminster Presbyterian Church
Welcome!
You are looking for a church where you or your family can grow in your faith. An active church, engaged in the community and the world. A church that helps you to make a difference. And you want a spiritual connection, too – nourishing and supporting you through your busy life.
But most of all, you want a spiritual home. …
Evanston, IL
Northminster Presbyterian Church
We Welcome All!
With open hearts and open minds, we seek to do life together. We ask questions, explore our faith, and trust in Christ. We are an inclusive, down-to- earth community of believers committed to justice, mercy, and love. We are rooted in tradition. We worship with creativity and imagination, keeping an eye open for the new things God is doing in our midst.…
Hickory, NC
Northside Presbyterian Church
What is a More Light Congregation?
Early in its history, Northside Presbyterian Church committed itself to all our brothers and sisters in Christ, becoming the first More Light Presbyterian congregation in Michigan. As a More Light congregation, we seek to allow entrée for God’s illuminating Spirit through our open and affirming acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in all aspects of church life—leadership as well as membership.…
Ann Arbor, MI
Not So Churchy
Open Spaces. Freshly Baked Bread. Lots of Music. Chocolate and Coloring Books.
The Not So Churchy worshipping community is intimate, portable, and spiritually curious and committed. We worship monthly and gather for education, spirituality groups, service and community events.
We thrive when we are connected, but not too connected, to the traditional church. We are artists, community activists, and musicians.…
New York, NY
Oak Grove Presbyterian Church
We are fully welcoming of LGBTQ+ folks and have an active Rainbow Fellowship. Our restrooms are fully accessible for all genders.
Bloomington, MN
Oaklands Presbyterian Church
While no church would say that they are “unwelcoming,” the people of Oaklands truly model hospitality in astounding ways. Our worship services and leadership span nationalities, ages, sexual orientation, political parties, socio-economic status, gender, you name it! And while we don’t agree on everything, we are unified through our profession of faith in the Triune God.
Laurel, MD
Ocean Heights Presbyterian Church
We respect and reflect the diversity
of God’s world around us in age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and mental and physical abilities.
We are Deliberately Diverse – Intentionally Inclusive
We give thanks for the variety God created. This variety makes us a progressive, compassionate and alive!…
Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Old South Haven Presbyterian Church
We Are …
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a Peace and Justice Church with a history of over 250 years working for human rights and dignity.
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a Covenant Network congregation, working for a church that is simultaneously faithful, just, and whole. We seek to support the mission and unity of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in a time of potentially divisive controversy.
…
Brookhaven, NY
Mark Olson
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Mark Olson is a ruling elder and a member of First & Central Presbyterian Church, a More Light congregation in Wilmington, Delaware. As immediate past moderator of New Castle Presbytery, he currently serves as chair of the presbytery Council and has also served several terms as a trustee of New Castle Presbytery, including as chair of the trustees.…
Ormewood Church
Ormewood Church is a worshiping community that is focused on welcoming everyone to explore the living God in our neighborhoods. When we say “everyone”, we want the world to know that Ormewood Church is open and affirming of LGBTQ+ persons. When we think about how to be a good neighbor, we want to make sure that our LGBTQ+ neighbors are included and welcome in our space and in our worship.…
Atlanta, GA
Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church
Welcome to Palo Cristi Presbyterian Church
Palo Cristi is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). We are also a diverse community of believers from all walks of life. We are male and female, old and young, rich and poor, healthy and ill, traditional and progressive, straight, lesbian, gay, White, Black, Latino, Asian, dull, and funny.…
Paradise Valley, AZ
Peace Presbyterian Church
Central to our understanding of the gospel is the inclusion of people created by God in all their diversity. This is a fiercely mission-minded congregation, open to those who follow Jesus in all their diversity. This congregation has always been “More Light.” We have not been listed as such simply because we still have trouble believing all Presbyterians would not be inclusive as the result of the scientific and biblical scholarship that has been accomplished.
Minneapolis, MN
Tanner Pickett
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Tanner Pickett grew up in Camden, AR where he attended First Presbyterian Church. He received his BA in Psychology from Lyon College and a Masters in Public Administration from Arkansas State University. He had a long career in healthcare management before taking the roll of the vice president for sales, marketing, and communication for Montreat Conference Center.…
Presbyterian Church of the Covenant
We are an inclusive community, experiencing, exploring, appreciating, celebrating the spiritual foundation of existence. We affirm the presence of that which has been traditionally called God in human life. We respect and honor a wide range of perceptions and affirm that questions and doubts are essential to spiritual growth. We embrace the values expressed in Jesus’ life as a guide for our lives today, while being open to the wisdom of all approaches to the sacred ground of existence.
Greensboro, NC
Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry at Appalachian State University
As a ministry, the Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry at Appalachian State University believes that God loves everyone – regardless of age, race or ethnicity, ability, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We strive to be an inclusive and loving community, and hope to share God’s love alongside other More Light groups.
Boone, NC
Presbyterian New England Congregational
Our church family is diverse in age, marital status, sexual identity, theological outlook and political perspective, but we are united in belief that a church that attempts to experience the love of God within its community must also be a church that is socially conscious and politically involved. That sometimes leads to controversy and discomfort; but we believe that relevance to human life is more important than a “comfortable pew.”
Saratoga Springs, NY
Presbyterian Student Center @ UGA
Coffee & Queeries is a ministry of the open and affirming Presbyterian Student Center. We create safe and inclusive interfaith community together, connecting religious members of the LGBTQ+ community. Our group provides a brave space for discussion and friendship. Interspersed with our official meetings, we attend local events which center the LGBTQ+ community as well as host guest lecturers who can speak to queer and religious identity.…
Athens, GA
Princeton Presbyterians of the Westminster Foundation
Princeton Presbyterians believes it is important to become a More Light Campus Group because it clearly represents the LGBTQ+ celebratory community we are as well as our work toward ever increasing intersectionality. We are excited to be a part of an expanding network of More Light communities!
Princeton, NJ
Rev Bruce Reyes-Chow
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Bruce is a pastor, author, consultant, and coach. A 3rd Generation Chinese/Filipino, armchair sociologist, and technology enthusiast Bruce speaks and teaches on faith, race, parenting, and technology in a variety contexts from seminaries to conferences to congregations to pre-schools. While he speaks to both religious and secular audiences, he committed to living and expressing a Christian faith that is beautifully complex, unimaginably just and excruciatingly gracious.…
Riviera Presbyterian Church
Statement of Inclusivity: Here at Riviera Presbyterian Church, we believe that all people are God’s beloved children. Riviera welcomes all without regard to race or ethnic background, economic or social circumstances, immigration status, gender, sexual identity and expression, marital status or abilities. Riviera is a congregation absolutely committed to being open and affirming of all of God’s people.…
Miami, FL
Susan Robertson
Operations Assistant
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
Susan Robertson has worked for MLP for almost 15 years as the financial assistant. Being on staff with MLP is important to her because she gets to work with a tremendous group of people and help to create change within the PCUSA. Susan has been with her wife, Brenda, for 17 years and have 2 adult children and 3 cats. …
Rockville United Church
As members of an Open and Affirming, More Light congregation called by God to love one another, the LGBTQ Outreach Group of Rockville United Church strives through advocacy, education, words, visible signs and actions to welcome all into a place of sanctuary and community celebrating differences in sexual orientation and gender identity.
Rockville, MD
Roland Park Presbyterian Church
Roland Park Presbyterian Church has a long history of LGBTQIA+ inclusion, support and advocacy. It was a natural part of our evolution to become a More Light Presbyterian Church in order to more publicly claim our value of inclusivity and make it a core part of our congregational identity. We are proud to join this nationwide network of congregations and campus communities as we work together to realize the Kingdom of God ever more fully among us.
Baltimore, MD.
Rose City Park Presbyterian Church
Rose City Park Presbyterian Church is an inclusive spiritual community for all of God’s people. That means that we are committed to welcoming people of every race, language, age, gender, ethnicity, economic status, mental or physical ability, and sexual orientation into the full life and ministry of the church.
- Our building is accessible to all, regardless of physical ability
- Children and teens are considered active parts of our church family
- Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons are welcomed into full participation in the life of the community
In 2005, RCPPC put its belief in people as God’s wonderful creation into words by officially becoming a member of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, a group within the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) working for the full inclusion of LGBT individuals.…
Portland, OR
Rutgers Presbyterian Church
As a church that rejoices in God’s plan for a just, loving, and peaceful world, we commit ourselves to making it a reality for ALL people everywhere. We have historically supported inclusion of LGBTQ folks in ordained and lay leadership and seek to lift up LGBTQ people in the church and the world today. We have LGBTQ representation in both clergy and congregation and we welcome people across orientation, gender, race, class, and all other human distinctions.
New York, NY
Salem College Presbyterian Campus Ministry UKirk
A place to Believe, Belong, Become…UKirk Presbyterian Campus Ministry at Salem College seeks to be an open minded, open hearted community of women who come together to ask questions, seek answers, and support one another on the journey in between. We are a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA)-that means they pay our bills, but we welcome any and every one to our table. …
Sausalito Presbyterian Church
We are a loving, spiritual family, founded on the teachings of Jesus.
We provide a nourishing environment for the spiritual growth of all beings to serve and support others.
We encourage open-minded exploration to understand, embrace, and celebrate the grace of God.
We are a progressive congregation, including membership in ProgressiveChristianity.org,
and a More Light Church – our congregation values inclusion across faith experiences, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and cultural backgrounds.
Sausalito, CA
Andrea Sawyer-Kirksey
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
Andrea Sawyer-Kirksey is the Executive Director of Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) a faith-based network of cities that provides opportunities for service, learning, and leadership. Andrea has over 20 yrs experience as an educator, justice advocate, and program development professional. Andrea is a native of Chicago, she is an artist, and storyteller.
Second Presbyterian Church
Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City has been affirming for several decades now. A beloved staff member, the church organist, risked his employment and standing in the church by coming out. He preempted any blow back by turning in his resignation at that time to which the Session and Congregation unanimously rejected. He was loved, celebrated and it was at that time the church leadership voted to be a church that would never close its doors or its inroads to ministry leadership to anyone in the LGBTQIA community.…
Kansas City, MO
Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church
We are:
a Christian Community — seeking to know the Christ as our friend, teacher and guide. We believe that — in looking at Jesus we gain a glimpse of the face of God.
a Trinitarian Community — seeking to live a life in communion with Mystery of God, the presence of Christ, and the indwelling power of the Spirit.…
San Francisco, CA
Shawnee Presbyterian Church
Our congregation has always proclaimed welcome and openness to all of
God’s children regardless of one’s background, nationality, race, and/
or gender identity. Our Session has taken a step forward in this
welcome of all people as we are now a member of the More Light
Presbyterian ministry. More Light Presbyterian congregations are
intentional about their welcome of all who identify and LBGTQ+.…
Shawnee, KS
Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church
We are a very small congregation. But we have a few members who have or have had family members in the LGBTQIA+ community. We are the only church with a Rainbow Flag out front, in a community of very conservative congregations (Catholic, Missouri Synod Lutheran, Baptist, Evangelical). I myself come from the theater and show-biz, where the queer community thrives, and I know so many people that wish they could find a church that honors their spirituality and their souls.…
Chaska, MN
Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church
We welcome all people regardless of age, race, ability, sexual orientation, marital status, social class, religious affiliation or none. We understand hospitality to be central to a life of faith. We aspire to practice the radical inclusion that is at the heart of Jesus’ life and teaching. We are committed to full inclusion in church and society of all LGBTQ people, and are committed to building bridges to those of different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.…
Shepherdstown, WV
Sixth Presbyterian Church
Inclusive Language
With the awareness that language reflects our beliefs about equality and justice, we intentionally use inclusive language in our worship. This includes using a variety of feminine, masculine, and non-gender images in referring to God and humanity. Hymns, litanies, prayers, choral offerings, and other worship elements are often chosen, altered, or created to express this inclusive and expansive view of God and God’s people.
Pittsburgh, PA
South Presbyterian Church
On issues of sexual justice, we have been part of a loyal opposition, arguing for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers. This opposition rests on our deep commitment to a hospitality which welcomes everyone—and refuses any exclusion as one more violence.
Our Mission is to help each other in the work of becoming more fully human; in these ways that God has given us, through:
Learning God’s Word
We provide ways for us to learn the spiritual path, and the way to live a fully human life on earth; by studying the Bible, all spiritual disciplines that point the way, and the example of Jesus.…
Dobbs Ferry, NY
Southside Presbyterian Church
Statement of Inclusion
Southside Church has been called by God to be a congregation that welcomes and fully values all persons. Our diversity is a gift of God and essential to our witness to the Gospel. In 2014, Southside became a More Light Church. 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.
Tucson, AZ
Spencer Presbyterian Church
We accepted an openly gay man as a church member in the 70s. Our pastor did a funeral for a lesbian woman that none of the other local churches would do in the 90’s. We just completed a 6-session Sunday School series examining sexuality, gender and the church more deeply so that we can speak into the silence instead of being complicit.
Spencer, WV
Springdale Presbyterian Church
Springdale Presbyterian underwent years of discernment in the past about what a faithful understanding of welcome, inclusion, and affirmation of all of God’s people really meant within Christ’s church. That process eventually led to the congregation’s willingness to call a new pastor in 2016 who was LGBTQ+, and adopting an official welcome statement that included affirmation of our welcome of LGBTQ+ individuals into the full life and leadership of the congregation.…
Louisville, KY
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
Who is welcome?
First off, let us make it clear that all are welcome at Saint Andrew. In fact, we made it part of our mission statement: “we welcome all people into the life of the church regardless of age, sex, race and ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity, socio-economic status or marital status, physical or mental ability, or any other worldly condition.”
So we try to practice Jesus’ radical hospitality, but what does this mean in actuality?…
Indianapolis, IN
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
As disciples of Jesus Christ committed to the holy values of justice, freedom, and peace, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church we strive to continually deepen our commitment to our decades-long history of social justice ministry. We proudly proclaim our values as a More Light congregation, as a reproductive justice congregation, and as a sanctuary church.…
Austin, TX
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
Today St. John’s is still a place of worship and a gathering spot for the community. Strongly rooted in Christ’s love and with a deep commitment to social justice we welcome all who come thorough our doors. As a church, we are grateful for the gifts that God has provided us through the years, especially through the Spirit within people that have been called to serve us, teach us, love us, and bring us a vision of God’s will.…
Berkeley, CA
St. John’s United Church
Our Vision
We are a progressive, inclusive Christian community, strengthened by the diversity of our members and our faith traditions, that comes together to worship God, to further spiritual growth, and to minister to each other, the community and the world through active Christian involvement.
Our Mission
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To worship God;
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To support and nurture each other;
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To provide a foundation for our spiritual life;
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To empower our members in ministry;
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To celebrate our diversity and promote inclusiveness for all;
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To partner with and advocate for victims of social injustice;
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And to share the good news of Jesus Christ and invite others to do the same.
…
Columbia, MD
St. Luke Presbyterian Church
Presbyterians Believe:
- We are saved by grace through faith and that grace is a pure gift from God given to us through the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
- We are a people grateful for the unending faithfulness of God (the Hebrew people called this hesed).
- We adhere to the Reformed tradition that God is continually at work in the world, and we are called to be lifelong learners, to share God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and justice, and that God is ushering in a new way of being the church in the 21st century.
…
Amarillo, TX
St. Luke Presbyterian Church
Our Mission:
St. Luke is a joyful, inclusive and compassionate community on a spiritual journey seeking to do justice, make peace, act mercifully, and to walk humbly with God.
Our Vision:
We envision a world in which all are welcome at the table of God’s abundance, all creation flourishes in balance and wholeness, and all live in peace.…
Wayzata, MN
St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here:
If you are young or old, you are welcome.
If you are brown skin, black skin, white skin, or any other color of skin, you are welcome.
If you are married or single, you are welcome.
If you are gay or straight, you are welcome.…
Rolling Hills Estates, CA
St. Mark Presbyterian Church
- Inclusiveness We see in the gospels a Jesus who was radically inclusive of his society’s outcasts. We believe that every group of people belongs to God and that every person is God’s creation and, therefore, sacred, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.
- Inquiring As members of the local and global community, we believe it is our responsibility to understand the complexity of the issues that shape our world today.
…
Newport Beach, CA
St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church
In July 2011, the Presbyterian Church, USA, the largest of the Presbyterian denominations in this country, eased its restrictions and allowed for the ordination of GLBT individuals in committed relationships. That change was due in part to the hard work and fervent prayers of More Light Presbyterians across this nation.
What is More Light?
Marriage equality for all people is the particular goal of More Light Presbyterians.…
Tucson, AZ
St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church
A Spiritual Home in the Real World
– We are not a church with its head in the clouds. We take seriously the demands, joys, struggles and hopes of human life and the present realities of the modern world. We feel called by God to participate in Christ’s ministry of repairing a world that is broken and building up the kingdom of heaven here on earth.…
Spencertown, NY
St. Philip Presbyterian Church
Although not being an official “More Light” church, St. Philip Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX, has had a long and supportive involvement with the organization. Beginning in the late 1990s there were St. Philippians, individually and as members of the church’s Peacemaking Committee, who worked actively with such organizations as TAMFS, PLGC, Covenant Network, and MLP.…
Houston, Texas
Tabernacle United Church
Equal Treatment for LGBTQIA People
As a More Light/Open and Affirming congregation (these are denominational labels given in the Presbyterian church USA and the United Church of Christ for such congregations) we welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in to the full life and leadership of the congregation. We sponsor gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender candidates for ministry, perform union ceremonies, advocate in favor of civil marriage equality, testify for equal treatment at Presbytery meetings, and financially support the More Light and Open and Affirming ministries within our denominations.…
Philadelphia, PA
Takoma Park Presbyterian Church
The Takoma Park congregation has long called itself ‘A Church for All People’ and, since 1991, has identified itself as a ‘More Light’ congregation. We celebrate our diversity and accept as members and friends of the church all who put their trust in Christ. We welcome all persons regardless of age, class, race, nationality, sexual orientation, physical abilities, marital status, or religious background.…
Takoma Park, MD
Lydia Tembo
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
My name is. I was born in Lusaka, Zambia and have lived in Queens,NY a majority of my life. Currently I am completing my Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary, seeking ordination in the PCUSA. Where I am from and where I’ve been is all thanks to God’s glory and energy that fills me with love and curiosity which is evident of the authentic ways I seek to serve God’s creation.…
The Church of Gethsemane
We are welcoming, diverse and inclusive. We are a unique intentional congregation of persons from all racial, ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds, “founded in 1986 as a New Church Development and established as a church in 1989, The Church of Gethsemane is a congregation of The Presbyterian Church (USA) created by and for incarcerated persons, formerly incarcerated persons, their families, neighborhood persons, and people who feel called into ministry with the poor.”
The Church of Gethsemane is a More Light Presbyterian Church and a member of New York City’s Presbyterian Welcome.…
Brooklyn, NY
Third Presbyterian Church
Third Church is a More Light congregation, committed to the full participation of all persons in our church community without regard for sexual orientation, personal background, or human condition. We are also participants in the PC (U.S.A.) Commitment to Peacemaking.
Rochester, NY
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Trinity Presbyterian is a bunch of regular people who get together to enjoy our relationship with God and each other. We are a community made up of people who are single, married, divorced, on Match.com, widowed, gay, crazy rich and dirt poor. In this place you are welcome whether you’re looking for a church home, looking for one hour of peace, or just looking. …
Ogden, UT
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Trinity is a congregational member 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.
Harrisonburg, VA
Trinity Presbyterian Church
To all who mourn and need comfort
To all who are weary and need rest
To all who are friendless and want friendship
To all who are homeless and want sheltering love
To all who pray and to all who do not
To all who sin and need a Savior
This church opens wide the door and makes free a place, and in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, says ‘Welcome’.
Nashville, TN
Trinity Presbyterian Church
What We Believe
We take the bible seriously, but not necessarily literally. We listen for what God is saying to us today while understanding the bible’s historical and literary context.
We believe children are not only our future, but they are our present.
We believe that God has given all of us gifts that God expects us to use to help transform the world into a more loving and caring place.…
Winston-Salem, NC
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Our Mission: Micah 6:8
“To Seek Justice, Love Kindness and Walk Humbly with God”
We are involved in an ongoing journey together to discover what it means for us to live out the Mission statement we’ve taken from Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God,” and try to weave these themes throughout our life together.…
Scotia, NY
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Being a More Light Congregation is one expression of our desire to seek and do justice in God’s beautiful, diverse, and troubled world.
Hendersonville, NC
UKIRK at VCU
…by building a community where unique and inclusive individuals value one another, and where we engage relevant issues in deep and open conversations. Because we seek to know Christ and make Christ known.
Richmond, VA
UKIRK JMU
It’s important for the campus, and especially members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to know that we are an inclusive ministry that welcomes all and affirms that each of us is a beloved child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Unfortunately, that isn’t a message that students often hear from faith groups, and so our affiliation with More Light will help clarify our commitment to full inclusion and hospitality.
Harrisonburg, VA
UKIRK Knoxville
UKirk (meaning “University Church”) is a network of ministries supported by the Presbyterian Church (USA). We are charged with reaching, loving, and teaching college students so they may be lifelong followers of Jesus Christ. At UKirk UTK, we believe that every person, without qualification, should have the opportunity for God’s amazing love to be made known to them.…
Knoxville, TN
UKirk St. Louis
By becoming a member of More Light, we collectively commit to Christ’s welcome. While we’ve been living as a welcoming community, this membership discernment process has encouraged us, individually and collectively, to name our commitment to inclusion in the body of Christ. We’re excited about the resources that More Light has to offer, and we look forward to discerning how this membership calls us to action in our campus contexts and beyond.
St. Louis, MO
United Campus Ministry
-Rev. Dwight Welch is the advisor for Out at MSUB
-UCM is a part of Billings pride
-UCM was involved in the first drag show for Out at MSUB
-UCM hosted the first Lavendar graduation program for LGBT students
-UCM hosted the first Transgender Day of Remembrance service at MSUB
-We helped take 6 college students to (Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Asexual College Conference) in Wichita KS this year
But we’ve never joined our supporting denominational O&A associations until now.…
Billings, MT.
United Ministry of Delhi
The United Ministry of Delhi is made up of many kinds of people from many different places who join together to learn more about what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ in this day. We are affiliated with both the Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches, having united in 1976. We honor our roots, but also minister as one.…
Delhi, NY
United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton
The United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton is a progressive congregation doing our best to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). We are a community of people questioning, learning, celebrating, connecting, risk taking, creating, and making music and art. We participate in vibrant worship and work together to make our neighborhood, our city, and our world a better place.…
Binghampton, NY
United University Church
WE ARE PROGRESSIVE… COMMITTED PEOPLE.
- A Neighborhood, University and Community Church celebrating our rootedness in urban and university neighborhoods, Our congregation is made up of students, faculty, staff and community members. We also organize programs to connect campus and community including lecture series, service projects and other fellowship opportunities.
- An Inclusive Church acknowledging the wholeness of God and the wholeness of humanity.
…
Los Angeles, CA
University Presbyterian Church
I think UPC does a really great job of intentionally being involved in activities that do make people feel welcome, especially from the LGBT community. I feel UPC values my perspective and spiritual journey as a gay person.
San Antonio, TX
University Presbyterian Church
We believe that membership in More Light Presbyterians is consistent with UPC’s mission which states that we seek “…creatively –through nurture, education, worship and community outreach –to sustain an inclusive compassionate family of faith; it seeks to promote spiritual growth by awakening souls to God’s infinite mercy embodied in the reconciling love of Christ.” UPC has long be an advocate in our Presbytery and in the national church for shedding more light on the ways our denomination can more fully reflect the truth of God’s expansive love, particularly through our work toward ordination and marriage rights.…
Baton Rouge, LA
University Presbyterian Church
In February, the session adopted an inclusivity statement which came from two committees of our church: “University Presbyterian Church strives to embody God’s love for the diversity of creation by affirming the dignity of all persons as created in God’s image. We welcome people of all races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and socioeconomic status in all ministries of the church.” In asking questions around how we live into this statement, we felt like a good first step was to join More Light in order to gain some resources.…
Austin, TX.
Valley Presbyterian Church
In November of 2018, a member of our congregation made a formal request that the Session consider joining the More Light Presbyterians. At that time, Session began a process of investigating the organization. The Session invited speakers, held Adult Sunday School sessions, conducted a survey, and discussed the matter at several meetings. Not only did Session vote in April of 2019 to join the More Light Presbyterians, it also voted to join the Covenant Network of Presbyterians and began work on a broader statement of diversity and inclusion.…
Portola Valley, CA
Rev Kyle Walker
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Rev. Kyle Walker is a Texan by birth and a gay man by the grace of God. His ordained life in ministry began in 1997 as an Associate Pastor for Youth and Christian Education at Springdale Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Since that time he spent 14 years in student ministry on behalf of the PCUSA and UCC at Texas A&M University where the Department of Student Life honored him with their Rainbow Award for helping the university create a climate of inclusion for LGBT persons.…
Rev Floretta Watkins-Barbee
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: she/her/hers
The Reverend Floretta L . Watkins graduated from Mercer University in Macon, GA, where she earned a BA in Communications. In 1993, she graduated from Johnson C. Smith Seminary of the Interdenominational Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Homiletics and Christian Education.
After serving as a campus minister at South Carolina State University and Claflin College, she received a call to serve Pleasant Ridge of Lancaster, SC and Hermon Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill, SC. …
West Hollywood Presbyterian Church
West Hollywood Church is wildly Inclusive! We believe that God has created each of us as uniquely individual persons and that our differences enrich our life and ministry, and are a great witness to what “God’s Beloved Community” is like. We are intentionally inclusive of gender, race, ability, age, sexual orientation, economic condition and theological background.…
Los Angeles, CA
Western Presbyterian Church
Inclusive. We welcome all to worship with us, no matter their social or economic circumstance, gender, race or sexual orientation. We are a member of the More Light movement, a network of individual members and congregations within the Presbyterian Church (USA) working for full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Church.
Washington, DC
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Westminster is a gathering of people …
- Spiritually exploring
- Open and inclusive
- Committed to a faith that is applicable
- Welcoming of families and children
- Grounded in Christ
How we worship…
- Vibrant worship, together in community at 8:30 and 10:00 am each Sunday morning
- Scripture readings
- Inspired teachings
- Children’s teaching time at 10:00 service
- Contemplative worship at 8:30 service
- Community prayers
- Voicing of joys and concerns
- Time for silent reflection
- Variety of traditional and contemporary music (choir, organ, small vocal and instrumental groups, solo musicians)
Westminster is an inclusive congregation in which we are committed to embodying the faith in tangible ways through worshipping, learning, connecting, and serving.…
Tiburon, CA
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church was founded in 1893 as a Spanish speaking church. Since it’s founding WPC has always honored it’s beginnings and is still a bilingual congregation that believes in ministering the the community. In 2014 WPC became a More Light Congregation and a member of the Covenant Network or Presbyterians to let the LGBTQ community know that this is a safe, nurturing, welcoming, affirming community for faith for all people.…
Santa Fe, NM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Welcome to Westminster Presbyterian Church
Westminster strives to be an “Intentionally Inclusive” community of believers and seekers, following the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Through worship, study, and acts of compassion aimed at peacemaking, we seek to bring about God’s kin-dom in how we express our faith.
At Westminster, we emphasize a “progressive” expression of Christianity that values:
- intellectual integrity in matters of faith
- acceptance of all people regardless of ethnicity, creed, age, cultural background, gender, or sexual orientation
- openness toward the value of other religious traditions
- a strong commitment to social justice, peacemaking, and the care of our planet
Westminster Presbyterian Church has historic roots in the Wooster community, and was created to serve as the Congregation-in-Residence of The College of Wooster.…
Wooster, OH
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Point Loma has been on track to be a More Light church for many years. When the PCUSA made their statement over 20 years ago that LGBTQ+ individuals could not be ordained, our then pastor, Rev. Mikel Taxer, said from the pulpit that it was wrong and if we saw fit our congregation should go ahead and ordain whomever God calls.…
San Diego, CA
Westminster Presbyterian Church
To bring the Kingdom of God to our world through our love and service to others. It makes clear our commitment to include all voices and value all our brothers, sisters, and siblings.
Akron, OH
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Becoming a More Light Church is about the difference between being welcoming and accepting. Lots of churches say they welcome LGBTQIA+ people, but that welcome is often more about the congregation than the people. Acceptance is a stronger form of welcome, one that says you are welcome just as you are, without condition. Being a More Light Church helps us outwardly project an attitude of acceptance and assurance of safety to the LGBTQIA+ community and also gives us the learning tools and resources to help us live out that value in our actions.
West Hartford, CT.
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Joining More Light was a “coming out” of sorts for the congregation. In practice, Westminster has supported the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the ministry of the church. However, it is one thing to do these things, but it is another to be very clear about our support. Joining More Light is not a destination or a sign that we have everything figured out; we do not.…
St. Louis, MO
Adrian White
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: they/them/theirs
Adrian is a lifelong Presbyterian writing, praying and dancing in Dallas, TX. You can find their writing all over the web, including, Autostraddle.com, and find carefully curated retweets and occasional passionate rants at @audreywhitetx on Twitter. During the day, Adrian works in fundraising at Readers 2 Leaders, an organization that helps children in under-resourced communities reach grade level in reading.…
Daniel Williams
More Light Board Member
Gender pronouns: he/him/his
Daniel Williams has been organizing in his communities since he was a teenager in Albuquerque, NM. His organizing experience includes work on student mobilization, worker justice, LGBTQ inclusion, reproductive justice, and numerous electoral campaigns. He is a ruling elder, an aspiring circus artist, an Inquirer under the care of the Presbytery of Santa Fe, an aficionado of scented candles, a committed Aaron Sorkin fan, a member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, and a 2016 Master of Divinity graduate of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Wilton Presbyterian Church
Our Mission and Vision
We are glad that you found us and that you are here. We are a welcoming and inclusive congregation seeking both to know Christ and to make Christ known to people from all walks of life. We pray that we will become better acquainted with you.
Wilton, CT
Woodland Presbyterian Church
Embrace
We are an open, inclusive community of faith that welcomes all into the life and leadership of the church regardless of ethnicity, social status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Nashville, TN
Yachats Community Presbyterian Church
Simply put, YCPC is a community of faith, gathered in response to God’s call on our lives; doing the best we can to worship, witness and serve our community.
We realize that for many, walking into a church for the first time can be a daunting experience; full of promise, but also full of uncertainty.
Others may have been wounded by the church and made to feel unloved, unworthy of love and unwelcome.…
Yachats, OR