Thirty-five years ago, ministers and laypeople who were part of the Common Vision process surveyed UUs about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in leadership. Responses were so mixed that the Board funded the Office of Lesbian and Gay Concerns, and a new program, called “Welcoming Congregation.”
Our Fellowship voted to become a Welcoming Congregation 15 years ago. Recently, new requirements were established, including annual renewal for this status. We have work to do to keep it. We’ll explore what it means to be a Welcoming Congregation today.
Dr. Bishop has consulted on organizational issues with nonprofits and UU congregations throughout the US and Canada. She has worked as a geneticist, Peace Corps volunteer, music teacher, and District Exec. for the UUA. She is a Credentialed Religious Educator, Master level, and works with mentors for people seeking a credential.
She and her wife, Susan Grider, joined the UUFH 15 years ago. She has served on many UUFH and community committees and councils, and currently serves on the Family Ministries Council, chairs the Committee on Ministries and the Interim Ministry Search Task Group, and consults with the Governance Task Force.
Topics: Sexual Orientation, Welcoming Congregation