Our collective religious traditions remind us of the importance of treating others as we long to be treated. We know that this “Golden Rule” provides us with a template to be more loving and inclusive, to create places for people to belong. We include in our prayers and our holy places those in the LGBTQ+ community, individuals created in the Image of God, who have many blessings to bring to our world. We believe in this kind of holy inclusion, and we want everyone to know that all Children of God are welcome in our congregations.
In light of the recent increase of anti-transgender rhetoric, and with the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 20, we want to acknowledge the need to continue to offer safer religious spaces for our LGBTQ+ community — and for communities of faith to continue to realize our historical place in the ongoing movement for liberty, equality and civil rights.
We believe that inclusive and welcoming faith communities can be a pathway to a fuller and richer life. By welcoming those who are often marginalized, we can evidence the love that God created in us. And we can be blessed by the presence and contributions of those whom we welcome. God has blessed humanity richly and with great diversity. There is much to share, and there is much to celebrate.
Our sacred scriptures remind us of a deeper call to care for those in need, to offer love in a world of hatred, and work toward a broader welcome for those on the margins of society. We know that we must work for change in our local community and beyond.
We know that many congregations and communities of faith may disagree with this call for love, acceptance and inclusion for LGBTQ+ people. If you are reading this and find yourself in disagreement, we invite you into dialogue, whether in your churches or ours, to explore the shared values of our faith, so that we can more fully live out our spiritual convictions of kindness, love and care.
It is through the guidance of our faith as religious leaders that we are committed to work for a better Centre Region, and a place where all can belong as a beloved part of Creation. We encourage all to join us in this work; to welcome and protect our LGBTQ+ siblings, friends and neighbors; and to raise your voice in the defense of love, dignity and human liberty.
Sincerely, and in peace,
Rev. Dr. Tracy Sprowls, minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County
Rev. Ben Wideman, University Mennonite Church, State College
Kate Heinzel, Pastor, University Mennonite Church, State College
Rev. Dr. Tom Blair, St. John’s UCC, Boalsburg
Pastor S. Leigh Pick, St. John’s UCC, Boalsburg
Rev. Scott Schul and Rev. Carolyn Hetrick, Grace Lutheran Church, State College
Rev. Dr. Sarah Q. Malone, member, University Baptist & Brethren Church, State College
Rev. Jes Kast, Pastor, Faith United Church of Christ
Rev. Sarah Coker Voigt, St Paul’s UMC and Wesley Foundation (Abba Java Coffeehouse)
Rev. Greg Milinovich, St. Paul’s UMC and Wesley Foundation
Rabbi David Ostrich, Congregation Brit Shalom
Bonnie Kline Smeltzer, Pastor Emerita, University Baptist & Brethren Church, State College
Rev. Scott Hoffman, Senior Pastor, State College Presbyterian Church
Rev. Thomas A. Beers, Interim Pastor, University Baptist & Brethren Church, State College
Rev. Rebecca L. Horn, Pastor, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Centre Hall
Deacon Alicia Anderson, Campus Minister, Lutheran Campus Ministry at Penn State
Rev. Evelyn Wald, Pastor, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, McAlevy’s Fort
Reverend W. Ted Williams, Pastor, Ferguson Township Lutheran Ministries (Gatesburg and Pine Hall)
Sue Ellen Spotts, Director of Evangelical Mission, Allegheny Synod ELCA
Rabbi Rob Gleisser, Penn State Hillel
Kerry Wiessmann, State College Friends Meeting
