Yesterday I attended Connecting the Dots: Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Training. The event was co-sponsored by More Light Presbyterians and Just Texas and hosted by Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ in Dallas. The Rev. Alex Patchin McNeill, Executive Director of More Light Presbyterians, served as the primary trainer.
My biggest takeaway from the day was a reminder that simply saying “all are welcome” on websites, worship bulletins, and other materials is not enough. It is essential for clergy and other faith leaders to name who is welcome on a regular basis and in a variety of ways, including in worship. It is also essential that a faith community goes beyond offering a verbal welcome but creates a culture that assures LGBTQIA+ persons that they are both welcome and wanted in all roles within the life of the congregation.
Additionally, I learned that just because a congregation has been open and affirming for many years does not mean that they have the work needed to ensure they are inclusive of transgender people.