Our Story

Pride in the Pews is a grassroots, nonprofit consultancy that builds bridges and creates solutions that empower the Black LGBTQ+ community to thrive in the public square, pulpit, and the pew.

Problem

At best, the Black Church has struggled to celebrate LGBTQ+ Christians. At worst, it has weaponized the pulpit to advance dehumanizing theologies. The tragic consequence of this reality is that far too many LGBTQ+ Christians are forced to choose between their faith and their gender and sexual identities. With a growing number of Millennials and Gen Zers seeking inclusive and justice-oriented houses of worship, the Black Church is poised to lose an entire generation. It is incumbent on Black clergy and congregants alike to create more affirming and inclusive sacred spaces.

Solution

For years, the Black Church has silenced LGBTQ+ communities, leaving us on the margins of the sanctuary. Our lived experiences have been routinely rendered invisible and inconsequential. Reversing the course of this horrendous trend is not just vital, it is nonnegotiable. By amplifying our voices and experiences, a path toward addressing harm and facilitating healing can begin to emerge in the Black Church. Pride in the Pews seeks to create a space for, by, and with LGBTQ+ communities to share our stories and commune with our allies. We want you to join our campaign! Share your story and spread the word.

Our Values

 
 

Storytelling

We believe in the power of storytelling to challenge queerphobic theologies, to inspire hope, and to create community. Our stories are sacred and the act of telling them is holy. We seek to create space for queer Christians in the Black Church to tell the fullness of our stories.

 

Justice

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We believe in the pursuit of justice for all those who exist on the underside of traditional power structures, particularly in the Black Church. We seek to acknowledge and address harm caused by toxic theologies while creating avenues by which harm can be redressed.

 

Community

We believe in the transcendent and revolutionary power of community. Our commitment to cultivating intentional community lies at the heart of our work. We seek to create spaces wherein restorative, mutually beneficial, and love-centered relationships can thrive. We seek to partner with and to work alongside our comrades in the struggle for equity, justice, and liberation in the Black Church.