Ministry to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Community

Unitarian Universalism has been on record as supporting the rights of bisexual, gay, and lesbian people since 1970. The Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Concerns was formed in 1973. The UUA has advocated against sodomy laws and job and housing discrimination. They have advocated for ceremonies of union and same-gender marriage, the right to serve in the military, the right to lead congregations as ministers and religious professionals, and the right to be parents. They are now on record as supporting the rights of transgender people. (Unitarian Universalist Association © 1998)

The Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge celebrates the lives of all people and their ways of expressing their love for each other. The experiences of BGLT persons are fully incorporated in all programs, including religious education, and their needs addressed at every level of congregational life-- worship, social occasions, and rites of passage. We welcome not only their presence, but the gifts and particularities of their lives as well. Our church affirms and celebrates BGLT issues and history throughout the church year, with a well-attended Pride Service held annually during the month of June

Marriages and Services of Union The Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge has been conducting Services of Union for BGLT couples since 1983. The service itself acknowledges, in the words of our minister, wherever love abides, God abides also. Each service is designed and assembled jointly by the couple and officiant, with emphasis on solemnity and celebration. We provide a Certificate of Holy Union, which is signed by two witnesses and our minister to be given to the couple as a keepsake and for such time that it may be needed in the future as proof that the two were united by an officiant registered in the state.

The Welcoming Congregation Program The Welcoming Congregation Program is a completely volunteer program for congregations that see a need to become more inclusive towards bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people. It consists of a series of workshops developed by the UUA. The goal of the workshops is to reduce prejudice by increasing understanding and acceptance among people of different sexual orientations. (Unitarian Universalist Association © 1998)

On May 31, 2003, the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge received formal recognition from the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. This is the result of a year long process which began in January of 2002 with the establishment of a Welcoming Congregation Committee whose charge was to explore ways for the congregation to become more welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people seeking a safe and affirming place in our congregation and society The committee sponsored many activities and educational classes and forums. On Sunday, May 18, 2003, at a congregational meeting, there was a unanimous vote to become a Welcoming Congregation. A formal request was submitted to the UUA for recognition as a Welcoming Congregation and the designation was granted on May 31. The committee continues to organize programs and events.