How to Welcome Married Lesbian/Gay Couples to Your Parish
- Make it known that all children will be baptized, not only those of heterosexually married couples.
- Include lesbian and gay couples in all aspects of parish life: prayer and liturgy, educational programs, social events, and service opportunities.
- Invite gay and lesbian couples to participate in marriage preparation and enhancement programs.
- Open bereavement support groups to lesbian and gay people whose spouses have died.
- Acknowledge and celebrate the love and commitment of lesbian and gay couples in the same ways that heterosexual couples are affirmed.
- Educate one another about sexual orientation and the reality of lesbian and gay people.
- Institute a non-discrimination policy for sexual orientation, gender identity, marital and relational status.
- Welcome families headed by lesbian and gay couples to all family events that the parish sponsors.
- Allow local Scouting programs to accept lesbian and gay mothers and fathers to be Scout leaders.
- Make sure that everyone knows that the children of lesbian and gay couples are welcome in educational programs, parish schools, and all appropriate sacramental preparation programs.
- Include discussion of lesbian and gay people in all parish programs concerned with diversity, multiculturalism, social justice, sexuality, and faith sharing.
- Listen to, converse with, and be present to parishioners or community members who may disagree about welcoming lesbian and gay people and families.
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