As June arrives, we enter Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their ongoing journey for equality. This month serves as a vibrant reminder that love comes in many forms, and that all people deserve to be embraced and included in our faith.

Our covenanted and mission-driven faith teaches us the importance of love, acceptance, and compassion. It reminds us that we are all created in an image of equality and equity and are worthy of dignity and respect.  Pride Month allows us to reflect on how we can better embody these values and ensure our Church, UU Church of Akron, is a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and their needs.

We have members of our congregation who identify as LGBTQ+ – individuals yearning for a place of belonging and acceptance.  Pride Month is an opportunity to extend a hand in welcoming, friendship, and understanding.

Though we, as a Church, are going through transition times, how can we keep our LGBTQ+ siblings from not getting lost? How can we provide a welcoming space for them so they feel welcome and engaged at UUCA? One way is by keeping our hearts and minds open to their experiences and by fostering a community that celebrates the beautiful tapestry of human diversity.

This month, I encourage you to:

    Learn more about our LGBTQ+ community. There are many resources available to help us understand their experiences, challenges, needs and wants.

    Reflect on how we can be more inclusive. Consider how our language, practices, and attitudes might be creating barriers for some members.

    Celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals. They enrich our community in countless ways, and their stories deserve to be heard!

Let us use this year’s Pride Month as a springboard for creating a more welcoming and loving church for all.  Together, we can build a faith community that reflects boundless love.

Any questions, let me know at sprince@coloursofliving.com

In welcoming faith,

Samuel, Gay Dad.