Welcoming Congregation
As Unitarian Universalists, we covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person; justice, equity, and compassion in human relations; and acceptance of one another.

To this end we, the members of the Congregation, declare our desire to become an official Welcoming Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association by adopting the following statement, to be incorporated into the bylaws under Article II, Purpose:

The Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation is an open and affirming community of faith, a Welcoming Congregation. We affirm the rich complexity of creation, which includes every person and many forms of family. We welcome into our community persons of all ethnicities, nationalities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, physical and mental limitations, economic and family circumstances, and faith backgrounds. We commit ourselves to the defense of the spiritual, civic, and human rights of all people, and to the promotion of their wellbeing in our congregation and communities.

Why single out bisexual, gay, lesbian, and/or transgender people? It is stated best in the Welcoming Congregation manual:

For centuries, the church has been a leading force against sexual minorities. It is not surprising that gay people are reluctant to reach out to the very institution that oppresses them. Yet, gay, lesbian, [transgender], and bisexual people have no less need for warmth, caring, and affirmation than anyone else who calls the liberal church their religious home. In fact, as a subculture in society gay, lesbian, [transgender], and bisexual people may need our support more than the general population.


Links

Equality California:  www.eqca.org

Human Rights Campaign:  www.hrc.org

UUA Office of BGLT Concerns:  www.uua.org/obgltc

UU California Legislative Ministry:  www.uulmca.org