Extending Welcome in Springfield

If we are going to have a full conversation about becoming allies to the LGBTQ community, we must talk about the relationship between the Christian church and our LGBTQ neighbors.

I'd say we need to have this conversation in a broad, general sense if we are going to make any headway. But in addition to a general conversation about LGBTQ people and the church, I think it will be helpful to apply this conversation to my local context. What kind of relationship exists between LGBTQ people and the Christian church in Springfield, OH? 

There is much to be said on this topic, and I can assure you there will be more posts about LGBTQ people and the Christian church in the future. But I think some conversation about my specific context will be helpful.

So, I am going to step back and do a little recon. I'll be doing some preliminary reporting on the current lay of the land when it comes to welcoming churches.

There are already some warm and inviting churches hard at work in our midst. Let's begin our assessment by shining a spotlight on their presence in our community.

In 2014, Equality Springfield launched a faith community billboard project, inviting churches and faith communities in the area to express their welcome to LGBT neighbors by adding their name to a billboard, which would be displayed throughout the city. In the first year, four churches joined the project. By 2016, that number had grown to seven churches.

As part of my year of ally learning, I will be visiting each of these seven churches throughout the rest of the year.

As I connect with these churches (or as I strengthen existing connections, to be more precise), I will highlight some of the work they are doing in this city.

I'll also ask these churches about their decision to add their name to the Equality Springfield billboard. Why did they decide to participate? Why do they think it is important to make such a public stand? What, if anything, has resulted from their decision?

Finally, I will enter into conversation (whenever possible) with key members of each congregation about what it means to be welcoming, open, and affirming.

A year-long road-trip of ally excursions! I may even venture outside the city limits.

We're already underway. I visited one of these churches this morning, and the conversations have begun. There's goodness afoot, and I can't wait to tell you about it.