We are always getting email from people looking for inclusive churches in different areas around the country. We are ery happy when we are able to refer someone to an AWAB member church. When there is not member church in an area, we next turn to Baptist churches that are “unofficially” welcoming. These are generally churches that are known to have an active LGBT membership or churches that are have a history of openness. We make every effort to make sure such churches are indeed a place where someone could go and not have to cover up their orientation or pretend their significant other is something other than that. Increasingly these “unofficial” churches are members of the Alliance of Baptists. The Alliance recently pasted a very strong statement opposing a constitutional amendment against same sex marriage. This is not to say that all Alliance churches are of one mind on the issue, but it was still a very positive step for a Baptist body.

When there are no known welcoming Baptist churches in an area, we try and refer someone to a non-Baptist church where they would be welcome. There are such churches in most religious denominations. Some of the key phrases to look for in determining your welcome in various denominations and churches are: Welcoming & Affirming, Baptist; Open & Affirming, Disciples of Christ and Congregational; Reconciling, Methodist; Reconciled in Christ, Lutheran; and More Light, Presbyterian. Another key word to look for is inclusive.