Building a network of support for the LGBTQ+ community in Upstate SC
Our goal is to build a network of support in the faith community for LGBTQ+ people and issues across Upstate SC. Beginning in the fall of 2018, we have convened gatherings of people of faith from more than a dozen congregations to learn, organize, and build a better world together.
October 24, 2018
Central United Methodist Church
This was the beginning. A group of clergy in Spartanburg, SC convened a gathering of congregational leaders (both pastors and lay leaders) to hear the Spartanburg County LGBTQ Needs Assessment that was published earlier in 2018. The meeting went very well, with more than 50 people in attendance from more than 12 congregations. Feedback was received that additional events should be developed.
Fall 2020
Via Zoom
In the fall of 2020, we held a virtual gathering every Tuesday evening (September 29 through October 27) from 7:00-8:30 pm EST on the theme "The Bible As An Ally". Our goal was to share with one another the liberating power of the Biblical tradition and to equip one another to confront violent and exclusive uses of the Bible. All sessions were recorded and can be found on the homepage as an ongoing resource.
May 16, 2019
Spartanburg Methodist College
This event focused on LGBTQ theologies by LGBTQ pastors, theologians, and spiritual leaders. Our goal was to decenter straight thought and to listen to LGBTQ theologians, pastors, and spiritual leaders. This event was attended by over 100 people and was a huge success.
November 9, 2019
Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg
Following the extremely successful event in May, our Fall 2019 event was focused on “What Congregations Can Do.” We engaged in strenuous and heartfelt dialogue, confronting micro-aggressions, systemic exclusion, and the power of our gifts to change congregational life. We practiced the simple act of listening, over and over again, as a tool to transform who we have been to who we can become as a people of faith.
