Affirming denominations
These mainline Protestant denominations are fully affirming at the denominational level — meaning they ordain LGBTQ clergy and bless same-sex marriages:
- The Episcopal Church (TEC) — affirmed at General Convention 2015
- United Church of Christ (UCC) — first major U.S. denomination to ordain an openly gay minister (1972)
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) — affirmed in 2009
- Presbyterian Church (USA) — affirmed in 2014
- Disciples of Christ (DoC) — open and affirming congregations are widespread
- Reconciling United Methodists — within the United Methodist Church (denomination is currently divided on this issue)
- Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) — explicitly LGBTQ-led since 1968
- Friends General Conference (Quakers) — many meetings affirming
- Unitarian Universalist Association — affirming
Denominations with mixed positions
Some denominations are not formally affirming, but include many individual congregations that are openly welcoming. These include some Methodist, Baptist, and non-denominational churches. Always check a specific church's position before assuming.
Directories specifically for LGBTQ-affirming churches
- Gaychurch.org — long-running directory of affirming Christian churches
- Believe Out Loud — Christian advocacy with church listings
- Q Christian Fellowship — community network with affirming-church resources
- Reconciling Ministries Network — Methodist affirming-church listing
- More Light Presbyterians — PCUSA affirming-church listing
How to evaluate a specific church
- Read the church's “What we believe” or “Welcome” page
- Look for explicit language: “open and affirming,” “welcoming,” “reconciling”
- Check whether they perform same-sex weddings
- Email or call to ask directly — most pastors answer respectfully
- Visit a service before committing
Practical tip
“Welcoming” doesn't always mean “affirming.” Many evangelical churches use “welcoming” language while holding traditional teachings on marriage. If full affirmation matters to you, look for explicit signals like “open and affirming” (UCC), “reconciling” (UMC), or rainbow flags on the church website.
Find a welcoming church near you
Browse our state directories or denomination pages — start with Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA), Presbyterian (PCUSA), and Disciples of Christ.