PFLAG AND RELIGION

For more than a decade, members of Parents, Families and Friends (PFLAG) of Metropolitan Washington have witnessed the pain that gays, lesbians, and their families experience when their church or synagogue condemns homosexuality as sinful and morally corrupt. Religion can become a divisive wedge within families. Parents sometimes accuse their children of living in sin and break all connections with their sons or daughters. Even if no open break occurs, fear of rejection or condemnation may cause gay persons and their families to sever religious ties, or at least reduce their religious involvement—what was once a major part of their lives is no longer seen as a safe haven or a place of celebration. This loss, for many, is devastating.

Because we hear these stories at every support group meeting, our PFLAG chapter has established a Religious Affairs Network (RAN). This group meets with congregations, clergy, and lay leaders; presents relevant programs on homosexuality; and provides resource materials for congregants who are wrestling with these issues. Our PFLAG chapter has parents, gay men, and lesbians from every denomination. They are available to speak individually or as part of a panel. We have videos and literature that address many of these religious questions, and we have people who have worked successfully within their own congregations to create a welcoming spirit of reconciliation.

Please contact us. We want to work with you to create a program that can be of value to your congregation. We do believe that faith can move mountains, but it takes people to open doors. For additional information about the Religious Affairs Network, please email as at info@pflagdc.org or call the PFLAG office at (202) 638-3852.

WELCOMING CONGREGATIONS

Thankfully, an increasing number of Washington DC area congregations across many denominations are affirming our families and loved ones by declaring themselves "Open and Affirming," "Welcoming," or "Reconciling Congregations." A list of these congregations is available here (from the religious listings the Jan 1, 1999 Washington Blade).

In addition, a list of links to gay-friendly religious organizations is available here.

INSPIRATIONAL READINGS

'I Will Not Keep Silent' The Rev. Mary E. Kraus, Pastor Michael Beard and The Rev. Kathryn Johnson, Administrative Council Co-Chairs, Dumbarton United Methodist Church, Washington DC

"Now, No Condemnation" The Rights of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Persons in Society and their Membership and Ministry in the Church: A Pastoral Letter to the United Church of Christ

"Voices of Despair and Hope—Putting a Face on Homosexuality" Written by John R. Scudder Jr. & Anne H Bishop
This book takes a new approach—Over 50 interviewees (who are fundamentalist, mainstream, and liberal Christians) replace the issue of Homosexuality with faces of persons who are homosexual and seeking faith and hope in the church.