LGBTQIA+ Advocacy

We are an open & Affirming church

We know that religious spaces haven’t always been welcoming places for all people, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality. We want to change that.

  • We preach and teach a Gospel which understands that God does not reject or condemn people solely for their gender expression or sexual orientation.

  • We affirm marriage equality and conduct same-sex weddings.

  • LGBTQIA+ folks are fully integrated in our life together, in our pews, in leadership positions and in our ministries.

  • We work diligently in our community to promote a message of inclusion.

  • We are proud co-sponsors of Reston Pride annually.

  • United Christian Parish is a safe space for open and honest conversation about human sexuality and gender identity.

  • We advocate for LGBTQIA+ civil rights, and defend their LGBTQIA+ neighbors when their dignity or safety are threatened.

  • A Pride service is held annually in June to celebrate and affirm the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • A Transgender Day of Remembrance service is held annually to remember and honor the lives of transgender individuals lost to violence. 

  • GOD LOVES EVERYONE

    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 3:26,28: “In Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; for all are one in Christ Jesus.”

    We emphasize God’s steadfast love and protection for God’s people. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)

    There is nowhere we can go that will remove us from God’s steadfast love and presence. “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139)

    Love is always from God, and a reflection of God. Thus any genuine love, no matter what form it takes, comes from God and glorifies God. “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7-8)

  • AS FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST, WE LOVE & WELCOME ALL

    We pledge to work for full inclusion of all persons of faith, believing that “Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:38-39)

    If we are to love and serve God with our whole hearts, we will work to eradicate injustice toward our neighbors. “He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

    We need our LGBTQIA+ members. “When one part of the body suffers, all others suffer with it.” (I Corinthians 12:26)

  • ​ALL MARRIAGES ARE HOLY

    Love is a gift from God: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

    ​God creates community and families, uniting people together: "So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:5)

Resources

  • Many people are at a loss when it comes to the language for sexual diversity. However, it is increasingly important to understand what specific terms mean, so that those who identify as LGBTQ+ do not need to constantly educate those around them. Click here to learn more about at what it means to be intersex, transgender, bi-sexual, queer, etc.