We affirm and include those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer at every level of congregational life.

As a Welcoming Congregation we have pledged to:

• honor and listen to the individual lives and stories of our LGBTQA+ members and friends;
• care for the particular needs of those in our community who are LGBTQA+;
• officiate ritual celebrations, including all weddings or union rituals and transitioning rituals such as re-naming and coming out ceremonies;
• incorporate an understanding of the experience of LGBTQA+ persons throughout all of our programs, including religious education;
• speak out publicly and loudly as people of faith when the safety and well-being of LGBTQA+ folks is being threatened locally or nationally;
• celebrate our diversity in worship by using diverse and specific, as well as universal, language and content;
• engage in an ongoing process of listening to LGBTQA+ individuals and communities in and outside of our congregation, to ensure we are providing safety, spiritual sustenance, and growth for all LGBTQA+ folks who are seeking this with us.

Part of this work includes our participation in the Transforming Hearts Collective which is a, “course is for everyone from novices on trans identity to those with decades of life experience. Rather than simply offering a ‘trans 101,’ this class pushes participants to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building. It counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are; supports understanding of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, and two spirit); and employs a deeply intersectional approach. Congregational teams are particularly encouraged to participate.” The group that is currently working through the course is a closed group but we hope to continue running sessions. Contact Shelly Carver at office@allsoulsindy.org to inquire about future registration.

At All Souls, we work to be a place where all of everyone is safe and celebrated, and where all can experience liberation.

We invite you to read more about our work to dismantle racism and white supremacy and to be accessible for all here.