The resources in this section address needs of concerns of specific groups. (More is coming soon!)
Transgender
- Transgender Basics is a clear and helpful 20-minute video available online or to be ordered in DVD format. This resource, examining the various facets of gender, sex, and sexual orientation, is provided by The Center: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, and GIP: the Gender Identity Project.
- Transfaith Online is dedicated to educating churchfolk about TransFaith and TransFolk. Lots of helpful faith-related articles and information.
- A valuable resource for any faith community that seeks to be more welcoming and affirming of transgendered people,TransEtiquette, produced by the MCC, gives guidelines and suggestions every church should know about. Used with the gracious permission of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches.
- Made in God’s Image, written by Ann Thompson Cook, is a resource booklet for dialogue about the church and gender differences.
- Gender People is a spiritual group for transgender, transsexual, and two-spirited people. It is organized through Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of New York.
- Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is held on November 20th every year to remember those who have died from anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. LGBT-friendly congregations are encouraged to observe the Transgender Day of Remembrance in your community as a way to raise awareness and continue to educate your congregations about Transgender concerns.
Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual
Queer
Same Gender-Loving
The Empire State Pride Agenda’s Pride in the Pulpit is working to build a network of congregations throughout New York State who are willing to support and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender New Yorkers.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center’s Out and Faithful Program Panel discussion themes explored include how religions have viewed sexual and gender identities; whether LGBT people can hold leadership roles in various faiths; and the role of alternative spiritual paths for LGBT people.
The Institute for Welcoming Resources is an ecumenical group providing resrouces to facilitate a paradigm shift in multiple denominations whereby churches become welcoming and affirming of all congregants regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Other Sheep – Multicultural Ministries with Sexual Minorities is a worldwide, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to empowering sexual minorities throughout the world with the Good News of God’s unconditional love for all.
The Covenant Network of Presbyterians seeks to support the mission and unity of the Presbyterian Church (USA), intending to articulate and act on the church’s historic, progressive vision and to work for a fully inclusive church.
More Light Presbyterians works for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
That All May Freely Serve. That All May Freely Serve is a group of dedicated Presbyterians who strive to open barriers in order to permit gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people to serve openly as clergy, elders, and deacons.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) has approximately 2.4 million members, 11,100 congregations and 14,000 ordained and active ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.
The Presbytery of New York City is made up of 99 congregations, 14 fellowships, 250 ministers, and more than 18,000 Presbyterians who worship in ten different languages. We are a community of many nationalities and languages; there is no ethnic majority among us. Presbyterian Welcome works primarily in the Presbytery of New York City.
Dr. Jack Rogers, author of Jesus, the Bible, & Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church, has a delightful blog about his book tour/ministry. It has a free download of the book’s study guide, helpful information about the Heidelberg Catechism, and lots more!
The PC(USA)’s Peace, Unity, & Purity Task Force published Same Gender Relationships in the Church: Seven Theological Viewpoints. It’s an important study that helps provide a framework so that the church can carry on faithful conversation about same-gender relationships. It includes both affirming and non-affirming viewpoints and is a great resource for any church that is taking on this important conversation.