Purpose of the Coalition
The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches is a collaboration of more than 100 churches and other ministries in the Chicago metropolitan area which welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We have two goals:
- To spread the message of our members' LGBTQ-inclusion across the Chicago metropolitan area, mindful that a positive message about sexual and family diversity is a gift to all people.
- To connect the leaders, members, and guests of our partner churches for fellowship and education, enabling support and resource-sharing for the practices of faithful welcome.
Denominational Resources
Here are resources for specific religous traditions that might be of interest to members of the Coalition. Some are connected to the denomination's hierarchy while many exist to push against their denomination's hostility to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Please let us know of other resources that we should share among our partner congregations.
Baptist Church Resources
Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists is made up of a growing number of member churches, affiliated organizations, and individuals willing to go on record as welcoming and affirming of 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.
Alliance of Baptists
The Alliance of Baptists began as a dissenting voice in Baptist life more than 25 years ago. For more than 20 years we have affirmed the call and ordination of women in ministry and the full acceptance and embrace of the LGBTQ+ community. Today we are the many voices of progressive Christians seeking to respond to the continuing call of God in a rapidly changing world.
Disciples of Christ Resources
Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples (GLAD)
The GLAD Alliance is an organization called to join in God's work of transforming the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) into a just and inclusive church that welcomes persons of all gender and sexual identities into full life and leadership.
Eastern and Orthodox Church Resources
Orthodox and Gay
The first aim of this website to be a place of support and refuge for Orthodox Christians who are gay--for us to tell our stories about being Orthodox and gay. The second aim is to offer an opportunity for constructive criticism and comments on the official and not so official stances of the Orthodox Church and Orthodox Christians on homosexuality.
Episcopal Church Resources
Integrity
Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Episcopalians and straight friends. Since its founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of sexual minority persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship is a multi-denominational group of primarily African American Christian leaders and laity representing churches and faith-based organizations from the USA, Africa, and Mexico.
Lutheran Church (ELCA) Resources
ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation
Working at the intersection of oppressions, ReconcilingWorks embodies, inspires, advocates and organizes for the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners.
Mennonite Church and Church of the Brethren Resources
Brethren Mennonite Council
The mission of BMC is to cultivate an inclusive church and society and to care for the Mennonite and Brethren lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied community.
Metropolitan Community Churches
The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is a Christian Church founded in and reaching beyond the Gay and Lesbian communities. We embody and proclaim Christian salvation and liberation, Christian inclusiveness and community, and Christian social action and justice. We serve among those seeking and celebrating the integration of their spirituality and sexuality.
Mormon Resources
Affirmation
supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Mormons, their families, and their allies by encouraging spirituality, providing information resources, and working for equality.
Orthodox-Catholic Church in America
Pentecostal Church Resources
Fellowship of Reconciling Pentecostals International
The "Fellowship of Reconciling Pentecostals International" is a network of Pentecostal ministers, churches, and ministries which seeks by means of the full gospel of Jesus Christ to reconcile all repentant people to God without regard to race, gender, political persuasion, economic or educational status, sexual orientation, nationality, religious affiliation, or any other thing that divides.
Presbyterian Church (USA) Resources
More Light Presbyterians
Seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
That All May Freely Serve
Called by the life and teachings of Jesus, compelled by our faith, and charged by our conscience, we advocate for an inclusive church for all who are disenfranchised a church that honors diversity and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons as full members.
Quaker Resources
Friends for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Concerns
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.
Reformed Church in America Resources
Room for All
A community of Christ-followers in the Reformed Church in America committed to welcoming and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies, and pursuing authentic dialogue with those who think differently.
Roman Catholic Church Resources
Dignity USA
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
Seventh Day Adventist Resources
Seventh Day Adventist Kinship International Inc.
is a volunteer support organization that champions human rights for all people. We believe everyone is created in the image of God and that no one should be mistreated or discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.
Unitarian/Universalist Church Resources
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Denominational Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Ministries (LGBTQ Ministries) is guided by the vision that someday we will be able to put ourselves out of business and that oppression against people of all ages, abilities, colors, and economic classes who are marginalized on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity—whether the oppression be overt or subtle—will be a thing of the past.
United Church of Christ Resources
United Church of Christ Coalition of LGBT Concerns
Provides support and sanctuary to all our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers, their families and friends; advocates for their full inclusion in church and society; and brings Christ's affirming message of love and justice for all people.
United Methodist Church Resources
Reconciling Ministries Network
The Reconciling Ministries Network is a growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all people in the United Methodist Church.
Affirmation
United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns
Unity Church
For further denominational resources, visit The Institute for Welcoming Resources
