PFLAG GAINESVILLE
FAITH COMMNUNTY
When it comes to faith communities, it isn’t about redefining what you or your community believe. It’s about changing the way we treat each other. It is about creating a place where all people who are about equality can honestly and openly discuss and remove barriers they face to becoming an ally, get specific recommendations for action, and learn how to assist others — whether friends, family members, coworkers or community members — in becoming agents of change, on their own terms.
In some traditions, the message is incredibly positive. For example, most of the movements in Judaism teach love and acceptance, inclusion of LGBTQ+ people, and there is no conflict between LGBTQ+ or an ally and being consistent with Jewish beliefs. In fact, there are many LGBTQ+ rabbis and minsters serving throughout the world, in congregations that allow them to be out, but also celebrate their authenticity.
In other traditions — and unfortunately in some of the largest faith communities — the message isn’t as positive. Teachings range from trying not to talk about it, to separating the person and who they are (love the sinner but hate the sin), to outright rejection of LGBTQ+ people and those who support them.
For others, this quickly becomes an either/or decision: “Either I accept what my religion teaches me and act accordingly or I will not be living in grace.” To others it just means trying not to think about it….which tends to be pretty difficult given the big space that faith occupies in our lives.
When a person finds him or herself in a place where their religious teachings and beliefs are being questioned, it can literally shake their whole world. That’s because no matter what tradition we embrace, there is comfort in the order that faith give us. We know what is right and wrong, and our religion gives us guidelines for how to make the call.
Because the discussion about looking at LGBTQ+ people and the way different faith traditions treat them is often presented in an all-of-nothing kind of way. Either you accept LGBTQ+ people complete, or your reject them outright. Either you consider them to be wrong, or you grab your rainbow flag and celebrate them in your congregation. Either you think that marriage equality is the right thing to do or you think it will change what some believe is a sacred institution
United Church of Gainesville
1624 NW 5th Avenue, Gainesville, Fl, 32603-1609
An open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey – you are welcome here.
Sunday @ 10am in the Sanctuary
Shift Church
3215 NW 15th Avenue, 32605, Gainesville, Fl, 32605
We exist to shift people towards Christ · We want to help you grow in your relationship with Christ and others…
Sunday @ 9:30 & 10:50am
Trinity MCC
11604 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, Fl, 32608
The mission of Trinity Metropolitan Community Church of Gainesville is to spread the message of God’s inclusive love. Our Vison is to welcome all people, actively pursue social justice and peace, respect the faith of all people and invite them to participate in our worship, pursue answers to life’s questions with open hearts and minds both as individuals and as a congregation, and beyond.
Sunday @ 11am Family Worship
THERE ARE MORE OUT THERE, THESE ARE JUST THE ONES WE HAVE CONTACT WITH. IF YOU FIND YOUR OWN AND THEY WANT TO BE FEATURED HERE PLEASE ALLOW THEM TO CONTACT US.