A Welcoming Congregation
Affirming Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
and Transgender Persons

Gay Pride Parade 2007

The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, Texas, is a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Our religious denomination openly encourages each of its member congregations to be recognized as a Welcoming Congregation - one that welcomes persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. The first affirmation of our faith is to promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

After completing an extensive multi-year process, by the fall of 1994, First UU Church received recognition from the Unitarian Universalist Association as a Welcoming Congregation. This means that we not only welcome and accept gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, we also encourage our sexual minority members to serve as leaders of our congregation in numerous ways.

Additionally, we provide opportunities for the entire congregation to participate in events to increase its awareness of people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the oppression and issues they face in everyday life. In 2004, we celebrated our Tenth Anniversary of this significant accomplishment.

Over the years, we have

• Presented several panels comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender persons, family members and allies, discussing their life challenges and experiences, good and bad
• Provided educational seminars and classes on GLBT issues (Welcoming Congregation and Weaving the Fabric of Diversity classes, Homosexuality and the Bible video, Sodom and Gomorrah slide show, Our Whole Lives Sexuality Program for all ages)
• Participated in the annual Houston Gay Pride Parade honoring GLBT people and their allies
• Offered various social events, such as monthly potlucks and movie nights
• Established HATCH for younger and older GLBT and questioning youth, now a separate 501(c)3 non-profit organization
• Presented Spirituality and Sexuality Symposium

A number of active First Church members are also active in the volunteer work of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) - Houston. The mission of PFLAG is support, education, and advocacy for GLBT people.

In April 2004, our former minister, the Rev. Gail Lindsay Marriner, spoke at a public forum hosted by Texas Southern University on "The Constitution, Civil Rights, Religion, and Same-Sex Marriage. Where are we Going?." In her presentation, she stated, Unitarian Universalist ministers have been officiating at same-sex ceremonies of holy union for over 30 years and it has profoundly enriched our congregations. We use the same language in commitment ceremonies for same sex couples as we do in marriage ceremonies for heterosexual couples because with Unitarian Universalism there is no difference between them. In each case, two beloved and valued persons are pledging their lives and hearts to one another and this is cause for celebration and deep joy.

Unitarian Universalists stand on the side of love. Our ministers perform same-sex commitment ceremonies in our church sanctuary and other venues.

Our Sunday morning service is at 10:30 a.m. After the service, we serve a light lunch at a modest cost.

You are welcome to visit us at First Church and participate in the many activities and programs we offer. We hope you will discover a circle of friends and an extended family here at First Church.

Visit our information table on Sunday mornings to see our current program offerings. Sign up to receive our newsletter, by mail, email, or both. Pick up an Adult Programs Schedule, a Chalice Circle brochure, and the pamphlet of Religious Education for Children and youth.

Mission Statement

Firmly grounded in our Unitarian Universalist principles, we join together on the path of spiritual and intellectual growth to promote and celebrate community, diversity, and social justice for a more equitable world.

Our Seven Principles

We, the congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association covenant to affirm and promote:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person,
Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations,
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations,
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning,
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large,
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all,
Respect for the independent web of all existence of which we are a part.