2000s: Religious Community Activism and Diversity
"Creating Communities of Faith" Panel discussion
The early 2000s witnessed great positive change for the LGBTQ+ community. Along with growing rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, which were later challenged by conservative Christian leaders again in the late 2010s and early 2020s, this period witnessed growing interfaith conversations and commitments to LGBTQ+ inclusion. This section of the exhibit frames the most recent history as a timeline, encouraging visitors to think about what events they might add or have experienced.
In 2000, the Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ voted to become ONA and adoped its statement on Open and Affirming.
On the December 11, 2001, the "Creating Communities of Faith" panel discussion held, moerated by Bruce Pennington. Faisal Alam, Jerry Goldberg, Andrew Hudson, Bob Miailovich, Dan Schellhorn, and Michael Vanzant participated.
In 2001, the Little River United Church of Christ adopted a Resolution to become an Open and Affirming Congregation.
In 2006, the Rock Spring Congregational United Church of Christ held a teach-in on the Virginia state marriage constitutional ammendment.
In 2007, the Cleveland Park Congregational UCC amended its constitution to declare itself to be Open and Affirming.
In 2010, the Cleveland Park Congregational UCC celebrated one of the first legally sanctioned same-sex marriages in DC
In 2011:
- The MCCDC celebrated 40 years of service to the community. It was instrumental in the beginning of MCC-Philadelphia in 1975, New Life MCC of Hampton Rocks, Norfolk, VA in 1977, MCC of Northern Virginia, Oakton, VA in 1981, Open Door MCC in Boyds, MD in 1982, and Holy Redeemer MCC College Park, MD in 1998.
- Dignity Washington hosted National Convention of DignityUSA in Washington, DC. Four long-term Dignity couples from around the country were married by Dignity Washington providers under provision of the new DC marriage equality laws.
- Circle Sactuary Ministers, Jeanet and David Ewing found the Potomac Circle Ministries in Northern Virginia to provide local ministry to Pagans of various traditions and lifestyles.
- Cleveland Park Congregational UCC, First Congregational UCC, and Westmoreland Congregational UCChost UCC Welcome Booth with churches at the Capital Pride Festival. This has continued every year since, up until the pandemic halted Pride festivities.
In 2012, at their annual Charge Conference, the Silver Spring Cooperative Parish (United Methodist Church) adopted an LGBT Welcome Statement. The same year, the Little River United Church of Christ adopted a resolution affirming Equal Marriage Rights for All, urging support and advocating the freedom of marriage for all.
Wiccan and pagan communities founded
Wiccan and pagan communities also blossomed during this time period, often created with the intention of promoting diversity and inclusion. In March 2013, Circle Sanctuary founder, Rev. Selena Fox and other Circle Ministers attend the Marriage Equalit rall in front of and around the U.S. Supreme Court. Rev. Selena Fox also participated in the interfaith service at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C. And in November 2013, Circle Sanctuary Ministers Jeanet and David Ewing performed a same-sex wedding in front of the US Supreme Court in Washington, DC.
Stepping Out event flyer
In November 2014, "Stepping Out" event hosted at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, SW, DC. DC Center Faith coordinated an interfaith celebration of the history DC area welcoming and affirming congregations. The celebration highlighted the longevity and momentum of LGBT Welcoming Movement from its beginnings to its powerful present. Ministers present included Rev. Ruth Hamilton, Rev. Eric Eldritch, Rev. Charles Butler, and Rev. Darryl Moch.
To this day, there are a number of religious organizations in the DMV area that purposefully include LGBTQ+ individuals. Because of lack of documentation, they were not added to this timeline, but should bec acknowledged for their important historical work. These include the Muslims for Progressives Values DC Chapter, Affirmation LGBTQ Mormons Families & Friends D.C. Chapter, The Great River Tendai Shangha, Temple Sinai DC, Friends Meeting of Washington, DC.