Welcoming and Affirming Congregations in the RCA
What does it mean to be “Welcoming and Affirming?” How can our church qualify? Is there a way to make this public?
Many RCA congregations are on a journey in regard to publicly identifying themselves as an LGBT-inclusive church. Some have adopted a Welcoming and Affirming Statement; others are simply known in their communities by word of mouth, and still others are just beginning to ask these questions, including the most common one, “Where do we start?”
Why does this matter? Doesn’t “All are Welcome at XYZ Church” incorporate everyone? Unfortunately, no. Those of us who are LGBT, along with our families and allies, might experience any number of spoken or nonverbal signals that communicate conditions for welcome. Added to the already-existing history of exclusion that exists in the religious community as a whole, this ambiguity can make it very risky for LGBT Christians or seekers to visit any church; LGBT youth or children of same-sex couples are especially vulnerable.
The good news is that more and more RCA churches have prayerfully, intentionally explored their climate of hospitality toward LGBT members and visitors, resulting in votes, changes in bylaws, or public statements. Such steps are cause for celebration! These churches want to make their welcome known in their communities and in the RCA, and Room for All is here to help.
The Room for All board of directors has recently adopted a rostering procedure for Welcoming and Affirming congregations in the RCA to become so identified. We have field-tested and approved a document titled, “Affirmations of Room for All Churches” (review the document here). Congregations wishing to be rostered are invited to prayerfully consider and sign. Once your church has signed and returned the document, your church name and address will be listed on our website, along with a link to your church website. You will also receive a certificate suitable for framing that names you as a “Room for All” congregation. IN ADDITION, YOUR CHURCH WILL BE ADDED TO TWO IMPORTANT ECUMENICAL ROSTERS, that of Believe Out Loud (www.believeoutloud.com/learn/find-welcoming-church) and the Institute for Welcoming Resources (www.welcomingresources.org/usa.htm). Both of these sites are frequently visited by those looking for a welcoming congregation.
FOR THE LIST OF RCA CONGREGATIONS THAT HAVE ALREADY SIGNED ON, SEE here. Additional pages in this section include sample Welcoming and Affirming statements from RCA congregations and descriptions of their process, as well as links to similar documents from other denominations.
If you have questions or suggestions about our new rostering process, please let us know by emailing info@roomforall.com, or call us at (201) 364-4538. If you’re ready to sign on, you’re invited to download a PDF of the Affirmations document: Affirmations of RfA churches, sign and return it to us at: Room for All, P.O. Box 11495, Albany NY 12211.