Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Church

One common question I hear is, "How do I find a church?" Many queer and trans individuals are seeking a spiritual community but are unsure where to start.

Here are some tips to help you find a welcoming church:

Explore our Church Directory: This page features a list of LGBTQ-friendly churches organised by state. It’s an excellent starting point for finding nearby churches and has been carefully vetted by our editor.

Review Church Websites: Look at the church’s website for their stance on LGBTQ issues. Different denominations use various terms: “Open and Affirming” for the Uniting Church, “Welcoming and Affirming” for Anglicans/Catholics, and “Reconciling” for the Methodist Church. The Metropolitan Community Churches are affirming and a safe bet.

Look for a Welcoming Statement: Check if the church’s statement of welcome includes gender identity and expression with correct language.

Contact the Pastor: Reach out via email. If the pastor is defensive about your questions, it may be a sign to look elsewhere. A pastor who is inclusive should provide clear and affirmative answers.

Examine the Statement of Faith: If available, check for clues about their stance. Phrases like “literal word of God” or “God’s design for marriage” may indicate a lack of affirmation.

Plan a Visit: After narrowing down your list, consider visiting in person. If you’re nervous, bring a friend for support, even if they aren’t interested in church.

Trust Your Instincts: If a church feels uncomfortable or unfriendly, it’s okay to move on. However, it might be worth giving it a second chance if your gut tells you to.

What if You Still Can’t Find a Church?

Travel or Stream Services: If local options are limited, consider visiting a welcoming church once a month or watching services online.

Form a Community: Create a group of like-minded individuals to study the Bible and pray together, either in person or virtually.

Start Something New: If no suitable options exist, you might need to initiate a new community, though this may not be for everyone.

Finding a supportive spiritual home can take effort, but with these steps, you’re on your way to finding a place where you feel welcomed and valued.

Photo: Rev Ric Holland outside St Michael's Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Source: Herald Sun