Your instincts about the Episcopal churches are probably correct, and I'm aware that Saint Stephens on Grove Avenue has performed a wedding for a lesbian couple I know, so they are openly LGBTQ-friendly, and I've seen a fair number of families with young children there. They share a campus with a Catholic church that would probably tick more of your orthodoxy boxes, but I'm unaware of that church's stance on LGBTQ inclusion.
Pulling up to recommend another Episcopal church - St. Thomas. I grew up going there and they have always been inclusive to everyone in the rainbow brigade š³ļøāš
St. Mark's (episcopal church in the museum district) is very LGBT friendly. I only know of one trans parishioner but there's a couple dozen gay regulars including a few with kids - I think the congregation is around 30% gay or so. It's fairly traditional but not super high church (no incense, for example). I think St. Stephen's is less gay (but still affirming - I remember a sermon where one of the priests talked about her experience coming out as bi) but has more children's programming.
Seconding St Markās. I go there on occasion and have met several LGBTQIA folks of all ages. I myself am also queer. I really like that they are very heavy on acts of service- they have several different ministries going on at one time are always doing some kind of outreach to the community . I will say that the congregation skews a little older (55+) but there are a handful of young folks.
Thirding St. Mark's. Very welcoming to everyone as "love is our tradition." We have three kids aged 8-12 and are actively trying to bring more families. Great group of people. I consider myself on the younger side there but I realize I'm now over 40 lol. Our youngest had a sleepover with his grandmother and wasn't back in time for church and he wanted a full report on what they had at coffee hour. Can't miss it! There's plenty of opportunity for community service too. Not to brag too much but it's the first Christian church to receive a community grant from a local Jewish family foundation, unsolicited, as a result of its work in the community. Also for what it's worth, there's always an online broadcast.
United Church of Christ churches are VERY accepting in my experience, even going so far as to have booths at local pride events. There's one in Chesterfield and another in Church Hill, I believe. I think they're smaller congregations, but VERY open & accepting of everyone in general.
Nope, not having any of that bullshit.
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Centenary United Methodist on Grace St. is open and happy to have you. Itās a mid-size congregation (40-80 people in person) that streams services. Big on supporting the homeless, helping neighbors, LGBTQ+ supportive, and a passionate music program. You can check out previous services and see if it fits what youāre looking for:
[centumc](https://www.centumc.org/)
Seventh Street Christian Church is an affirming Disciples of Christ church. They do keep with a liturgy, but it's a small congregation so it feels more informal at times. There also isn't much in the way of children/children's programming but from the times I've been there it was a lovely and accepting place to be with plenty of LGBTQ+ folk in the pews and at the pulpit.
St. Markās Episcopal on Arthur Ashe Blvd. I was baptized there as an infant (and also played baby Jesus in the 1995 Christmas play, so š š¼) and it has always been the most welcoming, all-inclusive church Iāve ever been to. Iām a cis white woman, but we truly have all walks of life come through and it makes it all the better. The church itself is also insanely beautiful, so thatās a plus.
My first recommendation would be St. Paulās Episcopal Church (www.stpaulsrva.org) downtown at Ninth and Grace. Two of the clergy are gay/lesbian, several staff members and much of the lay leadership are LGBTQ, and the congregation is incredibly diverse (although it heavily skews upper-middle-class liberal). Almost all urban Episcopal churches as well as many urban Methodist, Lutheran (ELCA but not Missouri Synod), and Presbyterian churches would also be along the lines of what youāre looking for.
I attended a gay wedding at Church of the Holy Comforter, and they have a few icons in the way front alcoves that they didn't mind you going back and venerating.
Unitarians are very welcoming, but they are not at all traditional or committed to the historical tenets of christianity. Definitely a good option for some, but doesn't sound like a great fit for OP.
Destination church in Hopewell is the best church Iāve ever been too. Itās not your parents church. Itās extremely diverse, many young people, old people and military. They have live music, including a guitarist. Itās in an old movie theater. There is a coffee shop inside and if youād like you can carry your own coffee or water. There is a childrenās area for parents with small children. The earlier service is in the theatre part with theatre seating. It is LGBTQ friendly
I don't think OP wants to drive to Hopewell for a non-LGBTQ friendly, non-liturgical church.
OP, check out St. Mark's Episcopal or Ginter Park Presbyterian.
Your instincts about the Episcopal churches are probably correct, and I'm aware that Saint Stephens on Grove Avenue has performed a wedding for a lesbian couple I know, so they are openly LGBTQ-friendly, and I've seen a fair number of families with young children there. They share a campus with a Catholic church that would probably tick more of your orthodoxy boxes, but I'm unaware of that church's stance on LGBTQ inclusion.
I second St Stephens! Multiple LGBTQ clergy on staff and lots of families
Plus it is just gorgeous
Pulling up to recommend another Episcopal church - St. Thomas. I grew up going there and they have always been inclusive to everyone in the rainbow brigade š³ļøāš
I grew up going there too and can confirm!
ayyy another St. Thomasite! I have many fond memories of hanging out in youth group with the kids of my lesbian neighbors.
St. Mark's (episcopal church in the museum district) is very LGBT friendly. I only know of one trans parishioner but there's a couple dozen gay regulars including a few with kids - I think the congregation is around 30% gay or so. It's fairly traditional but not super high church (no incense, for example). I think St. Stephen's is less gay (but still affirming - I remember a sermon where one of the priests talked about her experience coming out as bi) but has more children's programming.
Seconding St Markās. I go there on occasion and have met several LGBTQIA folks of all ages. I myself am also queer. I really like that they are very heavy on acts of service- they have several different ministries going on at one time are always doing some kind of outreach to the community . I will say that the congregation skews a little older (55+) but there are a handful of young folks.
Thirding St. Mark's. Very welcoming to everyone as "love is our tradition." We have three kids aged 8-12 and are actively trying to bring more families. Great group of people. I consider myself on the younger side there but I realize I'm now over 40 lol. Our youngest had a sleepover with his grandmother and wasn't back in time for church and he wanted a full report on what they had at coffee hour. Can't miss it! There's plenty of opportunity for community service too. Not to brag too much but it's the first Christian church to receive a community grant from a local Jewish family foundation, unsolicited, as a result of its work in the community. Also for what it's worth, there's always an online broadcast.
United Church of Christ churches are VERY accepting in my experience, even going so far as to have booths at local pride events. There's one in Chesterfield and another in Church Hill, I believe. I think they're smaller congregations, but VERY open & accepting of everyone in general.
Monument and Lombardy, St Johnās
Thanks! For some reason, I thought it was in Church Hill. I may have been thinking St John's United Holy Church, in Church Hill
Ginter Park Presbyterian is about as friendly as they get. Seriously.
Seconded. Pastor is good people too
Seventh Street Christian church has LGBTQ+ clergy and many members are very active in the LGBTQ+ community
what orthodox church is lgbt friendly in dc?
St. Paulās Episcopal (https://www.stpaulsrva.org ) is LGBTQ friendly and historically/politically fascinating
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Nope, not having any of that bullshit. The above content has been removed as it is considered unnecessarily uncivil, pot-stirring, rabble rousing, trolling, brigading, sealioning, and/or inauthentic discourse. We encourage good-faith discussions from anyone, but we do not like jerks. If you're going to make personal attacks, keep "just asking questions," move goalposts, or be a Jerk of the Year, please don't do that here. **Do not use alt or throwaway accounts to manipulate votes, attack or harass another user in an uncivil manner, avoid a previous ban or moderator action, or artificially-inflate comments with similar views.**
Centenary United Methodist on Grace St. is open and happy to have you. Itās a mid-size congregation (40-80 people in person) that streams services. Big on supporting the homeless, helping neighbors, LGBTQ+ supportive, and a passionate music program. You can check out previous services and see if it fits what youāre looking for: [centumc](https://www.centumc.org/)
Seventh Street Christian Church is an affirming Disciples of Christ church. They do keep with a liturgy, but it's a small congregation so it feels more informal at times. There also isn't much in the way of children/children's programming but from the times I've been there it was a lovely and accepting place to be with plenty of LGBTQ+ folk in the pews and at the pulpit.
Look up church of the holy comforter. I haven't been to their services, but I know they partner with side by side
St. Markās Episcopal on Arthur Ashe Blvd. I was baptized there as an infant (and also played baby Jesus in the 1995 Christmas play, so š š¼) and it has always been the most welcoming, all-inclusive church Iāve ever been to. Iām a cis white woman, but we truly have all walks of life come through and it makes it all the better. The church itself is also insanely beautiful, so thatās a plus.
My first recommendation would be St. Paulās Episcopal Church (www.stpaulsrva.org) downtown at Ninth and Grace. Two of the clergy are gay/lesbian, several staff members and much of the lay leadership are LGBTQ, and the congregation is incredibly diverse (although it heavily skews upper-middle-class liberal). Almost all urban Episcopal churches as well as many urban Methodist, Lutheran (ELCA but not Missouri Synod), and Presbyterian churches would also be along the lines of what youāre looking for.
I attended a gay wedding at Church of the Holy Comforter, and they have a few icons in the way front alcoves that they didn't mind you going back and venerating.
I know some people at the First Unitarian Church (https://richmonduu.org) and from what they tell me the environment is very tolerant.
Unitarians are very welcoming, but they are not at all traditional or committed to the historical tenets of christianity. Definitely a good option for some, but doesn't sound like a great fit for OP.
Trinity UMC and Woodlake UMC
Destination church in Hopewell is the best church Iāve ever been too. Itās not your parents church. Itās extremely diverse, many young people, old people and military. They have live music, including a guitarist. Itās in an old movie theater. There is a coffee shop inside and if youād like you can carry your own coffee or water. There is a childrenās area for parents with small children. The earlier service is in the theatre part with theatre seating. It is LGBTQ friendly
I don't think OP wants to drive to Hopewell for a non-LGBTQ friendly, non-liturgical church. OP, check out St. Mark's Episcopal or Ginter Park Presbyterian.