Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, & Transgender Ministry

In the spirit of Christ’s boundless love for all humanity, we are an Open and Affirming congregation welcoming all people, young and old, male and female, wealthy and poor. We celebrate our God-given diversity of race, ethnic heritage, abilities, sexual orientation, and gender identity. We gratefully acknowledge the unique gifts that each of us brings to the Church of Jesus Christ and the spiritual journeys that have led us here.

No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here!

Open and Affirming

The UCC has supported the civil rights of LGBT persons for more than 30 years, adopting the Open and Affirming (ONA) Resolution in 1985. To say that a UCC church is “Open and Affirming” means that it has publicly declared that “gay, lesbian, and bisexual” (GLB) people (or those of all “sexual orientations”) are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g., membership, leadership, employment, etc.). It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways. Read more about ONA and the LGBT ministry in the UCC .

In 1972 the UCC ordained the first openly gay person as a minister in a mainline Protestant denomination, Reverend William R. Johnson. Hope UCC called our first gay minister, Reverend Kenneth Harrington, in September 1999. Our current interim minister, Reverend Sidney D. Fowler, writes for Out In Scripture for the Human Rights  Campaign (HRC).

Marriage Equality

Hope Church does not distinguish between a Marriage or a Holy Union. Religious marriage ceremonies are held for same-sex and different-sex couples. Hope UCC believes in full marriage equality and to that end has joined with other Virginia UCC churches in an effort to convince the state legislature to pass marriage equality legislation; founded the People of Faith for Equality in Virginia; and undertaken other outreach activities to the LGBT community. Read more abuot wedding information.

LGBT Outreach at Hope

Hope UCC reaches out to the LGBT community during D.C. Pride each June by marching in the Pride Parade, having a booth at the Pride Festival, and hosting Interfaith Celebrations. Look for us at Pride this year, June 13-14, 2009! We hope soon to begin a chapter of PFLAG (People and Friends of Lesbian and Gay).

It’s Worth the Journey to Hope!