The GLBT Community Has Faith in Indy

These days, the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community has more than ever to say "Hallelujah" about. For people of faith and unconventional sexuality, the inclusiveness of many of Indianapolis' places of worship is a refreshing change from the once-universal message of ostracism and damnation.

The Interfaith Coalition on Nondiscrimination (ICON) is a Hoosier council that is "concerned about religious intolerance and lack of acceptance of God's diversity" with 20 member organizations, 13 of them located right here in the Circle City. That's good news for folks looking for open and accepting congregations in a particular part of town or even within a specific denomination.

United Methodist Churches

Of ICON's Indianapolis membership, four are United Methodist Churches. Broadway UMCon east 29th Street, Lockerbie Central UMC on north East Street downtown, North UMCat 38th and Meridian, and St. Luke UMC on 86th Street just off Meridian are all members of this break-through organization. Though none of the churches advertise programs specifically for the LBGT community, they each offer a message of inclusion and openness.

Jesus Metropolitan Community Church

The ministry of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church receives a great deal of support from the GLBT community. Located at 2950 E. 55th Place, Jesus MCC welcomes Christians to come as they are. The guiding principles of the church state, among other things, that "Church should be a place where you can be real -- no pretending." The folks at Jesus MCC truly typify the diversity of the rainbow. People of every sexuality, race, marital status and political affiliation come together to worship at this Emerging Church. For the congregation at Jesus MCC, being an "Emerging Church" means that "following Jesus is more about spiritual values than spiritual rules." It is a way of life.

Following the lead of Jesus in the Book of Mark (10:14-15), Jesus MCC strives to take a lead role in ministering to children. The SUN Group program is specifically designed for the children of gay and lesbian couples and is in addition to the nursery, children's church and teen classes that are available weekly for the younger members of Jesus MCC. The SUN Groups are warm, positive and supportive environments that are led by licensed therapist Erin Hamilton with the aim of networking and building friendships. Research has shown that this type of networking among children of GLBT couples increases self-esteem and positive coping skills.

Recently, the Metropolitan Community Church, and Jesus MCC as its only Indiana congregation, has launched a billboard campaign encouraging the acceptance of God's diversity. The billboard campaign, titled "Would Jesus Discriminate?" features such thought-provoking statements as:

"David loved Jonathan more than women."

"Ruth loved Naomi as Adam loved Eve."

"Don't confuse bigotry against gays and lesbians with Religious Truths."

Unitarian Univeralist Congregations

Unitarian Universalist congregations are noted among the most open and welcoming of the nation's churches, no matter what your brand of diversity might be. Unitarian Universalists (UUs, as they call themselves) take inspiration from all of the world's religions, making them a truly nondenominational church. Attending services at All Souls or Circle Fellowship, two of Indianapolis' UU congregations, are a lively mix of Christians, Jews, and Neo-Pagans. With that kind of inclusion, one isn't surprised to find that UU congregations are so welcoming of GLBT members. In fact, UU's include in their Principles and Purposes that each person has inherent worth and dignity.

Interweave is discussion forum at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis, located at 615 West 43rd Street, that works within the congregation to "make UUI a safe, warm, and welcoming place for all people regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression." The Interweave group meets once a month for a forum discussion and presents a film one evening each month that explores themes of gender identity and expression.

Additionally, the UU Church of Indianapolis took steps several years ago to become a "Welcoming Congregation." This distinction is given to congregations who voluntarily attend a series of workshops developed by the Unitarian Universalist Association and working through the 16 action steps that concentrate on education, congregational life and community outreach.

Finding an Inclusive Congregation

To find an "open and welcoming" church that will meet your needs, check out the links below:

The Interfaith Coalition on Non-Discrimination www.iconindiana.org

Gay Indy www.gayindy.org/listings/index.php?cmd=viewlistM&cid=54

Christian Lesbians www.christianlesbians.org

To read more about the churches mentioned in this article, check out their websites or make plans to attend services.

Broadway UMC www.broadwayumc.org

North UMC www.northchurchindy.org

St. Luke's UMC www.stlukesumc.com

Lockerbie Central UMC - No website available. Call 317-637-2716

Jesus Metropolitan Community Church www.jesusmcc.org

Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis www.uui.org