Many RCA congregations are on a journey in regard to publicly identifying themselves as an LGBTQ-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 LGBTQ, 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 LGBTQ Christians or seekers to visit any church; LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ 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 revised our rostering procedure for Welcoming and Affirming congregations in the RCA to become so identified; the new, simplified process is described here.
If you have any questions about this process for becoming a Room for All congregation, please contact us at 201-364-4538.
Once your church has joined the roster of “Room for All” churches, 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 and The Institute for Welcoming Resources . 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, an invitation from an RCA retired pastor to consider joining the roster, as well as links to similar documents from other denominations.
To some extent, that depends on how you live out your affirmation and welcome. Check out our RfA Rostered Churches brochure, listing some ideas for ways to help ensure that your commitment to LGBTQ inclusion becomes an ongoing and organic aspect of your congregation’s life and ministry.