Affirming Faith Spaces
For the LGBTQ+ community, a welcoming faith space doesn't necessarily mean the same an affirming faith space. While many spaces will say they are welcoming, which has become a way to signal to the LGBTQ+ that they can attend service, it hasn't always meant that these community members can fully participate as themselves. There are also some spaces that may be LGB safe, but for T or Q.
Below are the definitions the Harriet Hancock Center uses to define welcoming versus affirming:
Welcoming spaces practice passive inclusion allowing LGBTQ+ members to attend, but don't allow them to fully participate in leadership roles or have their "lifestyle" fully accepted.
Example: Refusal to officiate a same-sex wedding, refusal to ordain LGBTQ+ people, have messaging of "love the sinner, but hate the sin".
Affirming spaces strive for intentional and radical inclusion of all of their members. These spaces don't just tolerate attendance of LGBTQ+ members, but embrace all unique identities and allow full participation in leadership and decision-making of LBGTQ+ members. They also actively address prejudice through education, providing resources, and explicitly and publicly celebrating LGBTQ+ individuals.
Example: Allowing members to use their preferred names and pronouns, providing leadership opportunities for all LGBTQ+ people.
Below you’ll find faith spaces that have met the affirming criteria:
Washington Street United Methodist Church
Address: 1401 Washington Street, Columbia SC 29201
With hearts full of love, the mission of Washington Street UMC is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world from the heart of the city throughout the world.
The congregation of Washington Street UMC praises and serves God from the heart of the city in ways that reach our neighbors near and far. We welcome and affirm all who seek the love and mercy of Christ regardless of race, creed, age, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or economic status. We honor traditions as rooted in our history, our expression of worship, and our respect for theological curiosity. We nonetheless see vital change and ongoing renewal as essential for Spiritual growth.
St. Martin's-in-the-Fields Episocpal Church
Address: 5220 Clemson Ave. Columbia, SC 29206
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28
Regardless of where you find yourself on your faith journey, we have a place for you.
At St. Martin’s, we welcome folks of every race, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, physical and mental ability, national origin, immigration status, economic station – and invite them into full participation in the life of our community. “Full participation in the life of our community” means equal access to all the benefits and responsibilities of church membership, including:
Participating in and receiving the Sacraments of Holy Baptism, Eucharist (Holy Communion), Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders (Ordination)
Pastoral care
Religious education and spiritual formation
Services of worship
Eligibility for all positions of responsibility and leadership
In the Baptismal Covenant of The Episcopal Church, we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and to strive for justice and peace among all people, respecting the dignity of every human being.
The Mission of St. Martin’s is grounded in the love of Jesus Christ. Everybody belongs here. Nobody is refused. We are made, the scriptures assure us, in the image of God. Nothing can change that core of original goodness. The God who declares "I am who I am" welcomes you as you are, and so do we. We continually strive to love God with our whole heart and our neighbors as ourselves. You are our neighbor. Learn more at smifsc.com/lgbtq
