Jesus Xhrist:
Gay CatholiXs, Xhristians & Friends
gallery/halloween-heart-with-cross

Pope Francis met with and told Gay Man(2018):

"That you are gay does not matter.
God made you like that and

loves you like this and
I don’t care.

The Pope loves you like this.
YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY WITH WHO YOU ARE."”

"Be strong.

Be brave.

Be fearless. 

You are never alone."

LGBTQ Friendly Churches & Organizations

 

 

NYC/LA Churches

 

One of the objectives of this website is to help Gay Catholics and Christians who want to find Gay-Welcoming Churches and Communities at home or wherever their travels may take them – to more easily find them. 

 

 

 

The online searches by denomination provided below have different definitions for “Gay-friendly or Gay-welcoming or Affirming” Churches, so we strongly recommend that you review their definition and decide whether it is on track with the type of church you are looking for.

 

 

 

Gay Catholics & Christians eResources

 

 

I. CATHOLICS 

 

a. New Ways Ministries - A gay-positive ministry of advocacy and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, and reconciliation within the larger Christian and civil communities.

 

Through research, publication and education about homosexuality, we foster dialogue among groups and individuals, identify and combat personal and structural homophobia, work for changes in attitudes and promote the acceptance of LGBT people as full and equal members of church and society.

 

Work in Progress List of Gay-Friendly Churches in the US, Canada & UK

http://www.newwaysministry.org/gfp.html

 

 

 

 

 

b. Call to Action – Inspire Catholics. Transform the Church

 

Call to Action educates, inspires and activates Catholics to act for justice and build inclusive communities through a lens of anti-racism and anti-oppression principles.

 

LGBTQ Justice - Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Catholics and their allies are present in all parts of our Church and should be valued and celebrated as members of the colorful family of God. http://cta-usa.org/focus-areas/lgbt-justice/

 

List and Interactive Map of Call to Action Chapters in the US and Canada http://cta-usa.org/chapters/

 

 

 

 

 

b. Dignity USA -  DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.

 

List Local Chapters - https://www.dignityusa.org/chapters

 

Interactive Map of Local Chapters - https://www.dignityusa.org/map/chapters

 

 

 

 

 

d. Fortunate Families - Catholic Parents of LGBTQ Children.

 

Interactive Map to Connect with a Listening Parent Who Understands - http://fortunatefamilies.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

II. CHRISTIANS:

 

a. General Online Search Tools:

 

- Believe OutLoud - General Interactive Map to Search for Gay-friendly Congregation by Denomination: http://www.believeoutloud.com/take-action/find-your-community

 

- GayChurch.org - The intent of our Affirming Church Directory™ is to provide an online directory so people can locate and visit welcoming Christian churches around the world. We list congregations that meet on a regular basis in a physical location for worship, prayer, service and fellowship. All churches in this directory have confirmed that their congregation, in some form or fashion, is an affirming Christian church.  http://gaychurch.org/find_a_church/list-churches-by-state/

 

 

 

 

 

b. Baptists – Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists

 

The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB) is made up of a growing number of member churches, affiliated organizations, and individuals willing to go on record as welcoming and affirming all persons without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity. These organizations and individuals have joined together to advocate for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons within Baptist communities of faith.

 

Interactive Map and list of Welcoming and Affirming Congregations http://www.awab.org/member-congregations.html

 

 

 

 

 

c. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ ) - GLAD Alliance

 

The Mission of the Open & Affirming Ministry Program is to build a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that welcomes persons of all gender expressions and sexual orientations to the table of Christ’s communion and to the full life and leadership of the Christian Church.

 

Open & Affirming Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have committed to openly welcoming and affirming persons of all gender expressions and sexual orientations.

 

http://gladalliance.org/site/

 

Interactive of Open and Affirming Churches https://batchgeo.com/map/00c80b84869d080d31c17d7670fc5226

 

 

 

 

 

d. Episcopal – Identity

 

For more than three decades, Integrity USA has been working for the full equality of LGBT persons in every part of The Episcopal Church.

 

http://www.integrityusa.org/

 

Interactive Map of Congregations   http://www.integrityusa.org/welcoming-congregations

 

 

 

 

 

e. Metropolitan Community Church of NY (MCCNY)

 

Metropolitan Community Church of New York provides a spiritual home for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and for all who choose to join us through the practicing of the gospel of Jesus Christ in worship, prayer, social action, education, and fellowship so that all people might experience God’s liberating love, wholeness, and justice; come to live in right relationship with God and all creation; and have the courage to change the world.  MCCNY is located in Manhattan at 446 W. 36th St. between 9th and 10th avenues, just a few blocks from Pennsylvania Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. We have services every Sunday at 9am, 11am and 7pm. All are welcome.

 

http://mccny.org/about/beliefs/

 

 

 

 

 

f. Presbyterians – More Light

 

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.

 

http://www.mlp.org/

 

Search for Welcoming Church or Chapter http://www.mlp.org/welcoming-churches-chapters/

 

 

 

 

 

g. Quakers – Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns

 

FLGBTQC is a North American Quaker faith community that affirms that of God in all people. Gathering twice yearly for worship and play, we draw sustenance from each other and from the Spirit for our work and life in the world. We are learning that radical inclusion and radical love bring further light to Quaker testimony and life

 

 http://flgbtqc.quaker.org/

 

List of Gatherings http://flgbtqc.quaker.org/gatherings.html

 

 

 

 

 

h. Seventh-Day Adventist – Kingship

 

Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International provides a safe spiritual and social community to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender & intersex current and former Seventh-day Adventists around the world.

 

https://sdakinship.org/

 

Believe OutLoud Interactive Map of Churches by Denomination http://www.believeoutloud.com/take-action/find-your-community

 

 

 

 

 

i. United Church of Christ (UCC) – Open and Affirming Coation of the UCC

 

The Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ advocates for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in the UCC, and equips UCC congregations to become effective witnesses to Christ’s extravagant welcome.

 

Find an Open and Affirming Church interactive map http://openandaffirming.org/ona/find/

 

 

 

 

 

j. United Methodists – Affirmation

 

United Methodists LGBTQ People and our Allies.  Affirmation is an independent voice of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people and our supporters. We are an activist, all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that challenges The United Methodist Church to be inclusive, and radically speaks out against injustice for LGBTQ people around the world.

 

http://www.umaffirm.org/

 

 

 

 

 

k. Unity Churches

 

Unity teaches that the spirit of God lived in Jesus, just as it lives in every person. Every person has the potential to express the perfection of Christ as Jesus did, by being more Christlike in everyday life.

 

http://www.unity.org/

 

LGBTQ Spiritual Resource Center http://www.unity.org/resources/lgbt

 

Search for Unity Ministries near you http://www.unityworldwideministries.org/find-church   

 

 

 

LIST OF GAY AND LGBTQ ORGANIZATIONS/GROUPS OFFERING ADDITIONAL ONLINE RESOURCES FOR GAY CATHOLICS AND CHRISTIANS.

 

If we have missed any that you would like us to include here, please send us a note to CatholicLGBTQ@gmail.com and include Directory in the Subject Line. Thank You.

 

 

Human Rights Campaign - HRC is the largest Civil Rights Organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

 

 

 

Find the closest LGBT Community Center near you thru the CenterLink LGBT Community Center Member Directory - CenterLink Member LGBT Community Centers in the US and Around The World.

 

In NYC, find out more about local resources and programs for NYC's LGBTQ Community thru The Center at 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011 - Tel: 212.620.7310.

 

In Los Angeles, find out more about local resources and programs for Los Angeles' LGBTQ Community thru The Los Angeles LGBT Center.

 

 

 

If in COLLEGE, or looking for ones that are Gay-friendly, check out The Campus Pride Map by Campus Pride for LGBTQ Student Groups, Support Services, and Campus Resources or at The New Ways Ministries List of Gay-Friendly Catholic Colleges and Universities.

 

 

 

 

Gay CATHOLIC Organizations, Groups and Other Resources:

 

Call to Action – Inspire Catholics, Transform Church

 

http://cta-usa.org/ - Call To Action educates, inspires and activates Catholics to act for justice and build inclusive communities through a lens of anti-racism and anti-oppression principles.

 

 

 

Catholic Association for Lesbian and Gay Ministry (CALM)

 

http://www.calgm.org/ - The Gospel of Jesus Christ leads the Association to affirm and provide inclusive pastoral care with lesbians and gay people and their families and friends in the Catholic community.

 

 

 

Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons (CMLGP) – Archdiocese of LOS ANGELES

 

http://www.cmlgp.org/mission/ - Believing that baptism empowers all persons to live a full, Catholic life in union with all members of the Church, the Catholic Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Persons provides a safe and welcoming environment for lesbian and gay persons, their friends and family, through liturgy, outreach, education, and fellowship.

 

 

 

Catholics United

 

http://www.catholics-united.org/about

 

A non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting the message of justice and the common good found at the heart of the Catholic Social Tradition. We accomplish this mission through online advocacy and educational activities.

 

 

 

Dignity USA – Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Catholics

 

http://www.dignityusa.org/ - DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support.

 

 

 

Equally Blessed - Faithful Catholics committed to full equality for LGBT people in the church and civil society

 

http://www.equally-blessed.org/ - Equally Blessed is a coalition of four Catholic organizations that have spent more than 120 years working on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families. Collectively and individually, Call To Action, DignityUSA, Fortunate Families, and New Ways Ministry are devoted to informing, supporting and giving voice to the growing majority within the Catholic Church in the United States that favors equality under law for LGBT people.

 

 

 

Fortunate Families – Catholic Parents of LGBT Children

 

http://fortunatefamilies.com/ - Fortunate Families serves as a resource and networking ministry with Catholic parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children. Resources include list of Regional/Parish Ministries/organizations because their LGBT-related activities may be of interest to Catholic parents of LGBT persons and those who minister with them. http://fortunatefamilies.com/regionalparish-ministries/ and List of Diocesan Ministries/Organizations because their LGBT-related activities may be of interest to Catholic parents of LGBT persons and those who minister with them. http://fortunatefamilies.com/diocesan-ministries/ . Also, stories shared and an opportunity to share your own stories, prayers, reflections http://fortunatefamilies.com/spirituality/#

 

 

 

Gay Catholic Stories – These are Our Stories

 

http://gaycatholic.info/ - Sharing Stories of how one can live as a gay Catholic. Welcome to Gay Catholic Stories. Yes, a website that is all about sharing stories of how one has found their way to live as both being gay and being Catholic. I do hope you take a moment to read through some stories on this website. My hope for this website is to provide a place for anyone that is gay and Catholic to share their story, find hope, and to feel a part of a community. Gay & Catholic http://gayandcatholic.net/ - Sharing my life’s struggles, triumphs, and thoughts of being a Gay Catholic

 

 

 

New Ways Ministries – Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry in the LGBT Catholic Community

 

http://www.newwaysministry.org/ - A gay-positive ministry of advocacy and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, and reconciliation within the larger Christian and civil communities. Through research, publication and education about homosexuality, we foster dialogue among groups and individuals, identify and combat personal and structural homophobia, work for changes in attitudes and promote the acceptance of LGBT people as full and equal members of church and society. Resources include: List of Gay-Friendly Colleges and Universities http://www.newwaysministry.org/GFC.html and List of Gay-Friendly Parishes and Faith Communities http://www.newwaysministry.org/gfp.html

 

 

 

QUEST - UK

 

http://questgaycatholic.org.uk/ - Quest is a group for lesbian, gay and bisexual Catholics. Its purpose is to proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ so as to sustain and increase Christian belief among homosexual men and women. Membership is open to all who share Quest’s aims, regardless of sexual orientation or religious affiliation. Transgendered persons should feel themselves especially welcome. Quest was established and is led by lay Catholics; however, clergy and religious are welcome to join and support the organisation.

 

 

 

VATICAN – Official Site

 

http://w2.vatican.va/content/vatican/en.html

 

 

 

Volunteer Catholic Organization (All are Welcome)

 

https://www.catholicvolunteernetwork.org/ - Catholic Volunteer Network, established in 1963, is a non-profit membership organization of 215 domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs.

 

 

 

 

Gay CHRISTIANS Organizations, Groups and Other Resources:

 

 

Believe OutLoud

 

http://www.believeoutloud.com/background/christianity-and-lgbt-equality - Believe Out Loud is an online network that empowers Christians to work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. Reaching nearly one million individuals a week, we elevate the people and places where Christianity and LGBT justice intersect. Through our new-media platform, friends and allies gather, share, grow, build community and take action. If you are new to LGBT inclusion and Christianity, we are a safe space to learn about how others tie their faith to LGBT equality. Everyone is invited to our table.

 

 

 

Christian Gays

 

http://www.christiangays.com/ - Christian Gays was created to provide the resources for any who wish to understand the ACCURATE interpretation of the Original Scriptures with regard to homosexuality. It is our belief that God loves us all just as we were created, including our orientation when we are devoted to Jesus Christ and we live our lives according to Christ's standards. We find no condemnation of our orientation in the Original Scriptures, and therefore believe that our monogamous, loving relationships are blessed of God. We encourage connection with other gay Christians through our Newsletter, Social Group, and Connections Friend Finder, Chat Rooms and Dating Service - https://christiangaysdating.com/ Christian Gays Connections - Christian Gays Connections is, first and foremost, a Friend Finder where we hope that people will connect based on faith and other common interests. If that connection leads to more, then that's great, but please know that we have many people here who are already happily coupled, and just wishing to connect with others for friendship. We are also welcoming of youth, and for that reason our chat rooms are moderated to keep them safe. Christian standards apply throughout the website.

 

 

 

Gay and Christian Alliance

 

http://www.gaychristianalliance.com/ - Gay Christian Alliance is a group of gay Christians living all over the world who wish to spread the message that it’s OK to be gay and Christian. We have all struggled with this issue as it relates to our faith and after many years of research, prayer, bible study, and counsel we wholeheartedly believe that God not only loves us just the way we are, but He also is rejoices with us as we express love in the manner in which we were born to express it.

 

 

 

Gay Christian Network

 

https://www.gaychristian.net/ - Founded in 2001, the Gay Christian Network (GCN) is a nonprofit Christian ministry dedicated to building bridges and offering support for those caught in the crossfire of one of today’s most divisive culture wars. Our membership includes both those on Side A (supporting same-sex marriage and relationships) and on Side B (promoting celibacy for Christians with same-sex attractions). What began as an organization to provide support to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) Christians has grown into a worldwide movement for compassion with many straight members as well. GCN helps create safe spaces both online and offline for Christians of all sorts to make friends, ask questions, get support, and offer support to others.

 

 

 

Gay Christian Survivor

 

http://www.gaychristiansurvivors.com/ - REFUTING ANTIGAY VIEWS WITH THE WORD OF GOD

 

 

 

Gay Christian Web Links

 

http://www.createdgay.com/links.html - Over 300 Gay Christian Websites included in listing. An attempt has been made to link to only affirming gay Christian web sites. A few non-gay Christian sites that contain important resources for gay Christians are included. This web site does not support the use of counseling to change a person's sexual orientation. Please report any sites to which we have links that you feel are homophobic or advocate that gay people can become straight. Our web master will review the site to determine if it should be deleted from the links page.

 

 

 

Gay Church

 

http://www.gaychurch.org/ - Organization dedicated to bringing the reconciling message of God’s love and reconciliation to our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. Online Resources include an interactive map for finding affirming churches around the world http://www.gaychurch.org/find_a_church/ and Global Gay Christian Online Resources http://www.gaychurch.org/links/

 

 

 

Rainbow Baptists – Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists

 

http://www.rainbowbaptists.org/christian.htm - Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affirming Christian Groups and Information.

 

 

 

Welcoming Resources Institute - Towards a Welcoming and Inclusive Church

 

http://www.welcomingresources.org/links.htm -

 

Denominational representatives of the Welcoming Church Movement created IWR in November 2002. The purpose of this ecumenical group is to provide the resources to facilitate a paradigm shift in multiple denominations whereby churches become welcoming and affirming of all congregants regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. IWR wants to help build church homes that are truly welcoming and nurturing, where everyone knows “they're okay, just like they are.” In early 2006, IWR became a program of the National LGBTQ Task Force, through a formal merger.

 

IWR's vision is that of its sponsors, the welcoming church programs. The task assigned to IWR is to provide or assist in the production of resources to make possible this paradigm shift in Christianity.

 

Below you will find some of the Gay and LGBTQ Organizations and Groups offering additional online resources for Gay Catholics and Christians.  If we have missed any that you would like us to include here, please send us a note to CatholicLGBTQ@gmail.com  and include Directory in the Subject Line. Thank You.

 

 

 

Human Rights Campaign - HRC is the largest Civil Rights Organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, the Human Rights Campaign represents a force of more than 1.5 million members and supporters nationwide — all committed to making HRC's vision a reality. HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

 

 

 

Find the closest LGBT Community Center near you thru the CenterLink LGBT Community Center Member Directory - CenterLink Member LGBT Community Centers in the US and Around The World.

 

In NYC, find out more about local resources and programs for NYC's LGBTQ Community thru The Center at 208 W 13 St, New York, NY 10011 - Tel: 212.620.7310.

 

In Los Angeles, find out more about local resources and programs for Los Angeles' LGBTQ Community thru The Los Angeles LGBT Center.

 

 

 

If in COLLEGE, or looking for ones that are Gay-friendly, check out The Campus Pride Map by Campus Pride for LGBTQ Student Groups, Support Services, and Campus Resources or at The New Ways Ministries List of Gay-Friendly Catholic Colleges and Universities.