The Spectrum Center and local faith leaders have compiled a list of LGBTQ+ affirming faith spaces in the Ann Arbor area. In considering whether or not these spaces are affirming, two questions were asked.
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“Will your space perform same-sex weddings/marriage ceremonies?”
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“Can LGBTQ people serve in all areas of leadership?”
A faith-based space must answer yes to both of these questions to be on this list. We recognize that even though these questions have been asked, for individuals there are other questions and considerations they may have before joining a faith organization. We also acknowledge that this list is not a comprehensive list of all LGBTQ+ affirming faith spaces in the Ann Arbor area. If you are interested in having your space on this list, and can affirmatively answer the above questions, please contact the Spectrum Center at spectrumcenter@umich.edu.
Ann Arbor Friends Meeting (Quaker)
1420 Hill St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - annarborfriends.org
"Quakers believe that there is that of God in every person. Our Meetings for Worship are held in expectant silence, without a program or pastor. Each worshiper seeks to listen to the spirit of God within. If that spirit brings to any of us a message that seems clearly to speak to the condition of others, we may rise to give that message as vocal ministry. Worship is held at 9 and 11 am the first, second and fourth Sundays; 7:45 and 11 third Sunday; and one shared meeting at 10 am on fifth Sundays. All are welcome."
Bethlehem United Church of Christ
Rev. John Kennedy
423 S. 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
"We, at Bethlehem United Church of Christ, declare ourselves an Open and Affirming congregation where we celebrate Christ's extravagant love. We covenant with God and one another to welcome the diverse tapestry of all people, no matter their age, race, nationality, ethnicity, economic circumstance, marital or family status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. We invite everyone- believers and questioners, seekers and skeptics - to share their gifts in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacarments, resposibilities, and blessings of our congregation."
Blue Ocean Faith Church Ann Arbor (Blue Ocean Faith, emergent; post-evangelical)
Rev. Emily Swan
2309 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - a2blue.org
"Blue Ocean Church is a Jesus-centered, LGBTQIA+ affirming, progressive church. Queer led, we strive for full inclusion by honoring intersecting identities and the unique contributions each person offers. We're a church willing to speak up when it matters! We foster connection to God through contemporary worship, insightful Scripture teaching, easy-access liturgy,
Canterbury House (Episcopal Church)
Rev. Matthew Lukens
721 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - canterburyhouse.org
Church of the Good Shepherd (United Church of Christ)
Rev. Deborah Dean-Ware
2145 Independence Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - cogsaa.org
“We are a multi-racial, LBTGQ affirming congregation that meets 10:15 on Sundays. Nursery care is available, and ALL are welcome and affirmed.”
Episcopal Church of the Incarnation (Episcopal Church)
Rev. Joseph Summers
3257 Lohr Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 - incarnationannarbor.org
“Small welcoming and affirming inter-racial congregation meets for worship on Sundays at 10:30am. We have been at the forefront of the struggle for LGBTQ inclusion/civil rights and have LGBT individuals, couples & families who serve in all levels of leadership. For 30+ years we've been performing same-sex blessings/weddings. While we gather around Christian practices and teachings we are an inter-faith congregation so we can be an ideal space for seekers and/or those who seek to reconcile their spirituality with their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. There is also individual/group Bible studies and workshops on these topics.”
First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor (American Baptist)
Rev. Stacey Simpson Duke & Rev. Paul Simpson Duke
517 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - fbca2.org
“An American Baptist Church in Ann Arbor that provides a welcoming, inspiring place for seekers, believers, doers, and dreamers of all ages who want to find meaning and community. We joyfully welcome and affirm individuals of any gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation to participate fully in all aspects of the life and ministry of our church. Sunday worship, 10:00a, is followed by a time of spiritual formation classes for all ages. On Wednesdays, we host a gathering of undergraduate and graduate students, 5:00p-7:00p, for a free home-cooked meal, friendship, and conversation.”
First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor (Congregational Christian Church)
Rev. Dr. Bob Livingston
608 E William St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - fccannarbor.org
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Ypsilanti (United Church of Christ)
Rev. Phiwa Langeni
111 S Wallace Blvd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 - www.ypsiucc.org
“First Congregational United Church of Christ, Ypsilanti celebrates everyone, including people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions, family configurations, economic circumstances, physical, cognitive or emotional abilities, education or spiritual or religious traditions. All are welcome to participate fully in the life, leadership, ministry, and missions of this church as we seek to grow together in a safe and nurturing community of faith. We strive to demonstrate in all ways that ‘NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR WHERE YOU ARE ON LIFE’S JOURNEY, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!’”
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Unitarian Universalist)
Rev. Manish Mishra-Marzetti
4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 - uuaa.org
"We are a spiritual home to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) people, their families and allies to nurture social connections; educate ourselves and others; and advocate for social justice. Interweave provides a welcoming presence and gathering place for LGBTQIA people, their families and allies. Our purpose is transformation within ourselves, the Congregation, and the greater community."
Journey of Faith (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Alex McCauslin
1900 Manchester Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - journeyoffaitha2.org
"Our worship services are on Sundays from 10:30AM to 11:30AM and childcare is provided. Parking is available in our small church parking lot or on the street."
King of Kings Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America)
Rev. Marie Duquette
2685 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - kingofkingslutheran.org
Lord of Light Lutheran Campus Ministry (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America)
Rev. Elizabeth Friedman
801 S. Forest Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - lcm-um.org “Officially welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community since 1987, Lord of Light - Lutheran Campus Ministry is part of the ELCA and an inclusive, intergenerational church. Weekly worship services are Sundays at 5pm with free dinner afterward; other activities, including Bible studies on Wednesdays at 7pm and FoQUS, our LGBTQ+ affinity group, on Thursdays at 7pm during term.”
Michigan Nones and Dones: religiously unaffiliated, inter-spiritual conversation focused group
Rev. Renee Roederer
https://www.facebook.com/nonesanddones/
Northside Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church USA)
Rev. Brooke Pickrell
1679 Broadway St. Ann Arbor, MI 48105 - northsidepresbyterianchurch.org
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (Episcopal Church)
Rev. Alan Gibson
306 N Division St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - standrewsaa.org
St. Clare’s Episcopal Church (Episcopal Church)
The Rev. Anne Clarke
2309 Packard Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - saintclareschurch.org
Trinity Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America)
Rev. Lori Carey
1400 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 - trinityaa.org
“We are a church that welcomes LGBTQ people into our fold.”
When looking for an LGBTQ+ affirming space, it might be worthwhile to consider these points:
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Go through their website. Look for language around LGBTQ+ identities. Make sure the language is correct and accurate.
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Some spaces might have an explicit welcoming message for LGBTQ+ patrons
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Some spaces might use welcoming language without having policies of full inclusion
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Email the faith leader of that space. If they are defensive or avoiding answering your questions, that’s a sign that they may not be affirming. They should answer your questions clearly and in full. It might be helpful to ask specific questions like “do you perform weddings for same gender and different gender couples?”
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Visit the space in person. It might be useful to bring a friend as support. Consider contacting the space via email or phone before you visit (see above point).
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Trust yourself and your gut feelings. If the space seems off, cold, or not actually affirming, trust those feelings. You are not obligated to attend any particular service or come back. Remember - you’re just checking the space out. If you feel uncomfortable, triggered or unsafe, know that you can leave and do whatever you need to take care of yourself.
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If you are having a hard time finding a space, consider gathering together with other LGBTQ+ people who share your faith (or not!) to hold space and build community.
Remember, it’s important to find a faith-based space that is affirming of all of your identities. A space may be LGBTQ+ affirming but not affirming of your race, disability, class-status and more. Even if you find a space that is LGBTQ+ affirming, if they don’t affirm your other identities, it is valid to not consider that space as a faith home, if you so choose.
Again, we acknowledge that the resources and information provided is limited in its scope. The Spectrum Center has worked with local faith leaders to create a group of individuals who can work with folks who have questions or concerns about finding a faith-based space that works best for them, including for faiths/religions not listed on this page. Additionally, they can help you navigate resources to find LGBTQ+ affirming faith-based resources best suited for you. You can contact the Inclusive Spirituality group at inclusivespirituality.umich@gmail.com.
For Faith and Spirituality resources visit - http://bit.ly/2CZ5Ufs.