Anonymous wrote:For those looking for Catholic and don't mind going to Baltimore, St. Vincent de Paul is an amazing affirming community. They host Pride events in June and truly put their effort into helping the homeless and vulnerable populations instead of harping on pro-life issues. I have a complicated relationship with religion and particularly Catholicism, but St. V is a special place where I feel welcomed and like I belong.

It’s so annoying when churches harp on doctrine and call people to repentance. Glad you found a place where people don’t constantly remind you that killing innocent life is immoral.

“More Light” Presbyterian churches. (Not other Presbyterian churches). Takoma Park Presbyterian is one.

I was wondering about what it means if a church/parish is Catholic and designated “affirming?” Do they hold a different view on administering sacraments, specifically marriage?

Anonymous wrote:What does affirming mean? Will they perfrom same sex marriages?

Open and affirming (ONA) is an official designation of congregations and other settings in the United Church of Christ (UCC) affirming the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and non-binary persons (LGBTQ) in the church's life and ministry.

An “Open and Affirming” setting of the UCC (a local church, campus ministry, etc.) means that it has publicly declared that gay, lesbian, & bisexual (GLB) people (or those of all sexual orientations) are welcome in its full life and ministry (e.g. membership, leadership, employment, etc.). It bespeaks a spirit of hospitality and a willingness to live out that welcome in meaningful ways.

I think many Evangelical Lutheran churches would have a similar approach to an Episcopal church.

Anonymous wrote:We're at Ascension Episcopal Church in Silver Spring and find it very affirming (we're a queer family). Unitarian churches are fine if that's what you're looking for, but as a queer person who is also a Christian, I need more than the broader spiritual experience of a Unitarian church.

Thank you this is helpful.

What does affirming mean? Will they perfrom same sex marriages?

We're at Ascension Episcopal Church in Silver Spring and find it very affirming (we're a queer family). Unitarian churches are fine if that's what you're looking for, but as a queer person who is also a Christian, I need more than the broader spiritual experience of a Unitarian church.

For those looking for Catholic and don't mind going to Baltimore, St. Vincent de Paul is an amazing affirming community. They host Pride events in June and truly put their effort into helping the homeless and vulnerable populations instead of harping on pro-life issues. I have a complicated relationship with religion and particularly Catholicism, but St. V is a special place where I feel welcomed and like I belong.

St. Margaret’s in Dupont

Table Church in DC is a Christian church and is open and affirming.

Anonymous wrote:All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Columbia Heights. They even signed the Marriage Equality bill there:

https://dcist.com/story/09/12/18/dc-mayor-adrian-fenty-signs-gay-mar/

Thank you. This is helpful.

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Columbia Heights. They even signed the Marriage Equality bill there:

https://dcist.com/story/09/12/18/dc-mayor-adrian-fenty-signs-gay-mar/

Any Episcopal church. Were you interested in a particular denomination?

Which are the most popular “affirming” churches in Montgomery county or even within DC proper? Which has the highest gay presence? Any positive thoughts would be helpful?