LGBTIQ Spiritual Resource Guide

Remember answering this question last spring: "Do you have any interest in belonging to a county coalition of welcoming congregations?" Do you remember how many clergy said yes? Twenty of you!

Since last spring, several good things have happened:

  • Temple Beth El (sponsors of "Out In Our Faith") and the Diversity Center (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center) have joined in partnership to grow the clergy coalition. (Some clergy will be new to the coalition, while others may already be "Out In Our Faith" participating or endorsing clergy, working together since 2004.

  • The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County believes in our mission, and has granted us funding to pursue our goals and objectives.
We are very excited about this partnership and about all the possibilities. We've heard from several of you who read our press release either in the Santa Cruz Sentinel or in the Diversity Center's CommuniQ newsletter (copy attached).

What's next? Throughout February, representatives of the partnership will be reconnecting with each of you who responded to the Diversity Center's 10-question survey, or have participated in, or endorsed, "Out In Our Faith".

It is our hope that you will link arms with us and allow us to help you and your congregation to continue to become more welcoming and celebratory of LGBT persons and their families.

Core objectives of the grant are, as follows:
  • To engage 20 faith communities in dialogue, education and evaluation.
  • To establish a faith community internet Blog on Facebook titled "Out In Our Faith".
  • To identify a clergy coalition committed to inclusiveness to be presented at Santa Cruz Pride 2008.

What help can we offer you? We offer simple assessment tools. You choose one or more program elements that you feel will suit the needs of your congregation in affecting attitude changes. Besides receiving a rainbow plaque for participation, you'll be able to take part in mentorship match-ups to support your journey. For your congregation, you may try some of our programs--LGBT spiritual stories & faith sharing, sexuality/gender identity education, and expert speakers. We can also supply you with literature (books, brochures, bibliography, and electronic links). Lastly, we make sure that you are recognized at Santa Cruz Pride 2008 as faith leaders in this area of social justice.

With your permission, we'd like to add you and your congregation to our list of welcoming faith communities and clergy. They are happy to serve as mentors and friends to emerging welcoming congregations. With that in mind, please join our Facebook group in order to establish relationships and to ask questions from your personal study. The group is anxious and eager to help!

Respectfully Yours in Faith,

Kathy Goldenkranz, Board President, Temple Beth El

Phone 831.479.3444 or

Kathy Manus/Diversity Center Spirituality Committee

Phone 831.688.0129 or
For a complete guide to LGBTIQ friendly Santa Cruz Area Faith Groups click here.

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