United Church of Christ

1 week ago | ucc.org | Kayla Berkey

Kansas City is one of many cities around the country that celebrated its 50th anniversary of Pride festivities this month. And Colonial Church in Prairie Village UCC took part in the three-day festival offering glitter tattoos, messages of love and inclusion, and a bright banner encouraging people to “Do justice and love all.”Kansas City will soon host the largest denominational gathering of the United Church of Christ, as the time for General Synod approaches July 11-15.

2 weeks ago | ucc.org | Kayla Berkey

With bright colors, charisma, and messages of God’s extensive love, folks from across the United Church of Christ were a strong presence at World Pride this past weekend. The international gathering took place in Washington, D.C., where UCC leaders and congregants came from places as widespread as California, Texas, and the broader D.C. area to worship, march, and celebrate God’s love for LGBTQ+ people.

1 month ago | ucc.org | Kayla Berkey

In the book Drag Queen Preacher, the Rev. Ricardo Tavárez describes preparing to get photographed as his drag persona, Luz De La Rica, after winning a local drag competition. The photographer asks, “What got you into drag?”The question leads Tavárez to reflect on his experience of being forced out of several churches and ministries after coming out as gay. “I’m begging anyone and everyone to understand that drag is my protest against the erasure of my struggle,” he writes.

1 month ago | ucc.org | Kayla Berkey

In a couple weeks, the United Church of Christ will gather in solidarity with queer and trans siblings at WorldPride 2025. Several events, taking place June 6-8 in Washington, D.C., invite people to gather with others in the UCC to worship, take action, and witness to God’s inclusive love. “Pride matters now more than ever,” said the Rev Derek A. Terry, acting executive director of the UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) Coalition.

1 month ago | ucc.org | Kayla Berkey

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Our Whole Lives, the comprehensive, lifespan sexuality education program developed by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association. Several events and occasions will celebrate the decades of education and support that OWL has offered, including one at July’s General Synod and a proposed Synod resolution which affirms the faithful advocacy and ongoing need for OWL’s work.