Welcoming Congregation Page 2

Congregational Life

5. Form a broad-based Welcoming Congregation committee to offer programs and monitor progress.

Status: This committee has been formed, though we are in need of straight allies.

6. Adjust congregational bylaws and other relevant documents to include an affirmative nondiscrimination clause concerning membership, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals.

Status: Sexist language has been removed and the following non-discrimination clause was added in January 2008:

This congregation affirms and promotes the full participation of persons in all our activities and endeavors including membership, programming, hiring practices, and the calling of religious professionals, without regard to race, color, gender, physical or mental challenge, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, class, national origin and/or citizenship status.

7. Use inclusive language and content as a regular part of worship services, and provide worship coordinators and speakers with guidelines on inclusive language.

Status: Ongoing review.

8. Provide main worship space and ministerial services for bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgender rites of passage, such as services of union and dedications of children.

Status: Ongoing.

9. Welcome bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender persons in the congregation's brochure.

Status: The web site makes it clear that the BGLT community is welcome at First Church UU and that we are introducing the welcoming congregation program. The brochure is under review.

10. Ensure that publications, public information, and programming reflect the requested status of any individual as s/he sees appropriate; recognize same-gender couples in directories and other publications, as they desire.

Status: Ongoing.

Building a Welcoming Congregation

First Church, Leominster, MA

978-537-0310