Religious / Spiritual / Churches

Want to add your group to this page? Metro Weekly is accepting information for new Community Directory listings. Your group must be not-for-profit and provide services of interest that are Gay, Gay-Inclusive, or Gay-Friendly. Please e-mail you organization's Name, Public contact information, Web site address, and a brief Description to the Webmaster or fax it to (202) 638-6831.

If your organization is already listed and needs to be changed or removed, please contact us and let us know.

Also, see the Community Calendar for specific event listings happening this week.

ACTIVIST

Interfaith Fairness Coalition of Maryland
Baltimore, MD 21203
Multi-religious organization dedicated to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender acceptance.

Soulforce DC
Fredericksburg, VA 22406
Mission is ''freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance''

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Work includes GLBT issues like gay marriage. ''Partnership of congregations, organizations and individuals deeply committed to our religious principles of human dignity, justice and compassion for all people. We work in the Baltimore Washington & Northern Virginia area to help Unitarian Universalist activists carryout their social and economic justice agendas.''

ATHEIST

Gay and Lesbian Atheists and Humanists (GALAH)
Washington, DC 20043

BAPTIST

Covenant Baptist Church DC
Washington, DC 20032
African-American church with vision ''to build an inclusive body of biblical believers.''

Riverside Church
Washington, DC 20024
Welcoming and Affirming (AWAB) outreach - ''We insist on welcoming persons into our church.... Young and old, Black and White, Gay and Straight, Male and Female--we are one race here, the Human race.''

BUDDHIST

Mintwood Zendo
Washington, DC 20009
A meditation group that provides an opportunity for the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) community and their friends to strengthen their spirituality. Meet at Friends Meeting House, in Dupont: 2111 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008.

Vajrayogini Buddhist Center
Washington, DC 20036
Ongoing classes on meditation and Buddhist philosophy.

CATHOLIC

Dignity / Northern Virginia
Arlington, VA 22210
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support.

Dignity / USA
Washington, DC 20003
National headquarters. Works for respect and justice for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support.

Dignity / Washington
Dignity
Washington, DC 20009
Catholic Mass for the GLBT Community.

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Old Catholic Church
Washington, DC 20003
Catholic in tradition and spirituality, but liberated from the traditional reigns and limitations found in the institutional Roman Catholic Church. Mailing: Church Rectory; 227 Tennessee Ave, NE; Washington, DC 20002-6427

Saint Bernadette Parish Roman Catholic
Severn, MD 21144
Gay and lesbian ministry.

Saint Sebastian Catholic Church
Baltimore, MD 21231
"Our Eucharist, Church Community and each of the Sacraments are celebrated in the Catholic tradition, and are open to women and men of every race, sexual orientation, and marital status."

CHRISTIAN

Axios DC
Washington, DC
''The gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Eastern Christian (various Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches) lay fellowship of the national capital area.''

Believers Covenant Fellowship
Vienna, VA 22182
Social Justice Ministry supports GLBT community.

City of Refuge
Lanham, MD 20706
Goal: "To create a place where all may feel free to worship, serve, and grow spiritually - without regard to race, ethnicity, social class, age, gender/gender identity, or affectional orientation. We will create a safe place for all persons to flourish - especially women, same-gender-loving individuals and their allies, transgendered persons, persons in recovery, the recently incarcerated, the economically disenfranchised, and persons infected and affected by HIV/AIDS."

Freedom Fellowship Christian Church DC
Washington, DC 20019

Inner Light Ministries
Washington, DC 20010
''...we celebrate The Radical Inclusiveness of Jesus Christ''

National City Christian Church
Disciples of Christ
Washington, DC 20005
Gay and Lesbian Fellowship and GLAD (Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples)

EPISCOPALIAN

All Souls Church
Washington, DC 20008
A Christ-centered sanctuary where a diverse community worships and serves.

Christ Church and Washington Parish
Washington, DC 20003
A welcoming community of faith, spiritual growth, fellowship and service.

Church of the Epiphany
Washington, DC 20005
''A renewing downtown parish''

Integrity / Baltimore
Baltimore, MD 21218

Memorial Episcopal Church
Baltimore, MD 21217
''A Diverse Community, Worshipping God, Serving People''

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church
Washington, DC 20003
An Integrity Partner.''We encourage the many small groups and social activities that interested parishioners have initiated.... Some groups focus on the shared experiences among men, women, gay people, or those coping with cancer.''

Saint Thomas Episcopal Church
Washington, DC 20036
Adopted ''Resolution #6 – on Full Inclusion of Gay and Lesbian Persons.'' ''During the 1970s, St. Thomas’ was one of the few churches that would allow Integrity, the organization of gay Episcopalians who did not feel welcome in their own parishes, to celebrate Holy Eucharist in its worship space. As a result, the parish became the spiritual base for a number of gay and lesbian Episcopalians trying to find their way back to their Christian faith....''

St. George's Episcopal Church
Glen Dale, MD 20769
"St. George's is a community of celebration, learning, and action. We are a warm and caring community that seeks to be inclusive of all God's people. We have members from all ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, family configurations, sexual orientations, and religious traditions."

JEWISH

Adat Shalom
Bethesda, MD 20817
''Diversity and inclusivity have long been hallmarks of Adat Shalom. The community has been welcoming to singles, empty-nesters and interfaith households as well as those who are gay, lesbian, divorced and childless.''

Bet Mishpachah
Washington, DC 20036
A congregation for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Jews and all who wish to participate in an inclusive, egalitarian, and mutually supportive community. Joined together to affirm religious and cultural heritage, integrating Gay and Lesbian and Jewish identities. Mail PO Box 1410, Washington, D.C. 20013

Congregation Beit Tikvah
Baltimore, MD 21210
Congregation Beit Tikvah is a Kehillah Mekabelet, Welcoming Gay and Lesbian Jews.

Fabrangen Havurah
Washington, DC 20012
''Fabrangen is an egalitarian and participatory Havurah (community) founded in 1971. Fabrangen welcomes everyone to its services and activities, whatever their age, race, religious upbringing, sexual orientation, family situation, or physical or mental ability or disability.''

Temple Emanuel
Kensington, MD 20895
Social Justice interests include Kulanu (All of Us) Outreach which supports Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender inclusion.

Temple Micah
Washington, DC 20007
Reform Jewish congregation -- Kulanu (''all of us'') promotes gay/rainbow friendly activities within our community.

LUTHERAN

Augustana Lutheran Church
Washington, DC 20009
A ''Reconciling in Christ'' congregation that has been racially diverse since 1954.

Christ Lutheran Church
Washington, DC 20011
''The Christ Lutheran Church family includes gays and lesbians, as well as people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds.''

First Trinity Lutheran
Washington, DC 20002
''...People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are expected and encouraged to share in the sacramental and general life of this congregation.''

Georgetown Lutheran Church
Washington, DC 20007
A Reconciled in Christ congregation; welcomes all people, regardless of sexual orientation.

Luther Place Memorial Church
Washington, DC 20005
The GLBT group meets monthly for dinner for fellowship, friendship, and support.

Lutheran Church of the Reformation
Washington, DC 20003
A Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Congregation, and as such is fully welcome and supportive of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) participation in the congregational life of the church, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lutherans Concerned - Maryland
Lutherans Concerned / North America
Baltimore, MD 21222
Also PO Box 1411, Baltimore, MD 21203.

Lutherans Concerned - Metro Washington, DC
Lutherans Concerned / North America
Washington, DC 20003

Lutherans Concerned - Virginia
Lutherans Concerned / North America
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Lutherans Concerned stands as a community of faith, modeling the gospel within the church and within the lesbian and gay community.

METHODIST

Bethesda Church
The United Methodist Church
Baltimore, MD 21214

Capitol Hill United Methodist Church
Washington, DC 20003
A Reconciling Congregation - ''We celebrate our human family's diversity of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, faith history, economic status, marital status, physical and mental ability, and education.''

Christ United Methodist
Columbia, MD 21045
Christ UMC is part of the Reconciling Ministries Network. We welcome all persons, from all walks of life – people of different races, nationalities, sexual orientations, classes, and mental and physical abilities.

Dumbarton United Methodist Church
Washington, DC 20007
A ''Reconciling Congregation'' including The Bridge Builders Fund makes grants for projects that promote communication, understanding and appreciation between lesbian, gay and straight communities in the Washington area.

Faith Community Church
The United Methodist Church
Baltimore, MD 21214
''With open Hearts, open Minds and with open Doors''

Foundry United Methodist Church
Washington, DC 20036
Foundry also has an active GLBT fellowship that welcomes newcomers.

Grace Church
The United Methodist Church
Baltimore, MD 21210
''Open Hearts - Open Minds - Open Doors''

Saint John's of Baltimore City United Methodist Church
Baltimore, MD 21218
Inclusive and diverse church specifically includes ''sexual-orientation''

Saint Luke's United Methodist Chuch
Washington, DC 20007
A Reconciling Congregation, ''St. Luke's public reaffirmation of our continuing welcome and inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT) persons, and their families, is a reflection of our welcome and inclusion of all of God's children....''

METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

Holy Redeemer Metropolitan Community Church
Metropolitan Community Church
College Park, MD 20740
"Provides opportunities for dynamic spiritual growth, social outreach, and fellowship to the suburban Maryland gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community and its supporters."

Metropolitan Community Church DC (MCC DC)
Metropolitan Community Church
Washington, DC 20001

Metropolitan Community Church Fredericksburg
Metropolitan Community Church
Fredericksburg, VA 22404
Mailing: PO Box 7425, Fredericksburg, VA 22404

Metropolitan Community Church New Covenant
Metropolitan Community Church
Laurel, MD 20708

Metropolitan Community Church of Baltimore
Metropolitan Community Church
Baltimore, MD 21201
"We are a Christian Church proclaiming God's love to the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgendered communities and anyone who is willing to walk with us in our journey of faith."

Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia (MCC NOVA)
Metropolitan Community Church
Fairfax, VA 22030

Metropolitan Community Church of the Chesapeake
Metropolitan Community Church
Annapolis, MD 21401

New Light Metropolitan Community Church
Metropolitan Community Church
Hagerstown, MD 21704

Open Door Metropolitan Community Church
Metropolitan Community Church
Boyds, MD 20841
Also PO Box 127, Boyds, MD 20841.

MORMON

Affirmation
Washington, DC 20013
Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons is a non-profit organization serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and intersexed Mormons, their families, and friends since 1977. The Washington DC chapter of Affirmation has been active since 1982.

MUSLIM

Al-Fatiha
Washington, DC 20033
Social support for LGBTIQ Muslims. "Dedicated to Muslims who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, questioning, those exploring their sexual orientation or gender identity, and their allies, families and friends. Al-Fatiha promotes the progressive Islamic notions of peace, equality and justice."

OTHER SPIRITUALITY

Carroll County Center for Conscious Living
Finksburg, MD
"We are a Religious Science church. We accept all faiths, all sexual orientations, all races, nationalities etc. We teach spirituality and the Universal Laws of truth. Our teaching is considered a faith, a philosophy and a way of life."

Radical Faeries
Washington, DC
A community-based organization of men and women who explore queer spirituality. We promote an understanding of Earth-based religions and interfaith cooperation.

Spiritualist Church of Two Worlds
Washington, DC 20007
Focus on mediums, laying-on-of-hands, continuing spirits.

PRESBYTERIAN

Brown Memorial - Park Avenue Presbyterian
Baltimore, MD 21212
A ''That All May Freely Serve'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
Washington, DC 20003
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Church of the Pilgrims
Washington, DC 20037
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Clarendon Presbyterian Church
Arlington, VA 22201
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Faith Presbyterian Church
Baltimore, MD 21239
''We are a multi-racial and multi-cultural congregation. People of every race, economic status, gender or sexual orientation will find a home at Faith.''

First and Franklin Streets Presbyterian Church
Baltimore, MD 21201
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Govans Presbyterian Church
Baltimore, MD 21212
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Light Street Presbyterian
Baltimore, MD 21230
''All who wish to participate in the life of this faith community are invited and encouraged to do so, regardless of race, gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identification, or socioeconomic level.''

New York Avenue Presbyterian
Washington, DC 20005
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Oaklands Presbyterian Church
Laurel, MD 20708
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Rockville United Church
Rockville, MD 20851
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Saint John's United Church
Columbia, MD 21044
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Silver Spring Presbyterian Church
Silver Spring, MD 20901
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Takoma Park Presbyterian Church
Takoma Park, MD 20912
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Western Presbyterian Church
Washington, DC 20037
A ''More Light'' GLBT-inclusive Presbyterian Church.

Westminster Presbyterian
Washington, DC 20024
First Presbyterian Church in metropolitan DC to take an active, public position for the full inclusion of GLBT persons in the ministry of the denomination and equality and non-discrimination in society at large.

QUAKER

Friends Meeting of Washington
Washington, DC 20008

UNITARIAN

All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
Washington, DC 20009
Includes Interweave and Lambda Souls, sponsors of GLBT events and a celebration of the culture and lives of GLBT members.

First Unitarian Church
Baltimore, MD 21201
''A significant portion of our congregation is made up of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered individuals.''

Goodloe Memorial Unitarian Universalist Congregation
Bowie, MD 20716
A GLBT-supportive ''Welcoming Congregation''

Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis
Annapolis, MD 21401
Welcoming Congregation Program specifically for GLBT people.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
The congregation unanimously passed the resolution to become a Welcoming Congregation, which ''affirms and declares that [the UUFF] actively welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) persons as full participants in the life of the Fellowship.'' Mailing: PO Box 663; Washington, DC 22404

Unitarian Universalists of Sterling
Sterling, VA 20164
A GLBT Welcoming Congregation. ''An open-minded and supportive community, embracing diversity, a variety of religious expressions, and social activism.'' Mailing: Unitarian Universalists of Sterling, P.O. Box 1632, Sterling, VA 20167-1601.

Universalist National Memorial Church
Washington, DC 20009

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Cleveland Park Congregational United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ
Washington, DC 20016
"An Open and Affirming Congregation where all are extended an extravagant welcome."

First and Stephen's United Church of Christ
United Church of Christ
Baltimore, MD 21212
"Open and Affirming," includes LGBT Focus Group

First Congregational United Church of Christ
Washington, DC 20001
EQUALITY, First Church's social and activist group for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and parents of the same.

First United Church
United Church of Christ
Baltimore, MD 21231
"Christians from other traditions, including the Roman Catholic Church, have found a home in the UCC, and so have gay and lesbian Christians who have not been welcome in other churches. Thus the United Church of Christ celebrates and continues a broad variety of traditions in its common life."

Lincoln Temple
United Church of Christ
Washington, DC 20001
"Multiracial, multicultural, Open and Affirming. A 'Beloved Community' receptive to the Still Speaking God."

UNITY

Unity in Frederick
Frederick, MD 21701

Unity of Washington, DC
Washington, DC 20002
Our sincere desire is to create spiritually aware organizations that are nondiscriminatory and that support diversity.

UNITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Unity Fellowship Church Baltimore
Baltimore, MD 21228
Gay, lesbian and transgender affirming church. Mailing: PO Box 23845, Baltimore, MD 21203

Unity Fellowship Church Washington, DC
Washington, DC 20005
"We confidently proclaim, teach, and empower members of the GLBT and affirming communities through scriptures and other sacred writings. Through social action, we will empower, educate and stand for those that have been oppressed and rejected." (Check national site for latest info: http://www.ufc-usa.org/nation.htm)

Note: These dynamic community groups can grow, switch leadership, move or disband quickly. Locations and information may have changed since this Directory database was last updated. See their official web site and contact them before visiting their locations for participation. Information may have been culled from multiple public sources, and Metro Weekly assumes no affiliation with or responsibility for the organizations themselves.