Joining the Covenant Network of Presbyterians
If you’d like to join more than 450 PC(USA) congregations committed to the full welcome and affirmation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church, you can do so by:
1. Voting as a Session to affirm CNP’s Call to Covenant Community: “Confident in God’s hopeful future and grateful for the ever-widening welcome of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Covenant Network of Presbyterians seeks an equity still not fully realized for LGBTQIA+ people in church and society…” Would your Session like to meet with a representative of CNP to talk through what it means to join the network? Contact Executive Director Brian Ellison at brian@covnetpres.org. The Moderator or Clerk of Session should contact brian@covnetpres.org with the date of the Session's decision.
2. Making a suggested annual contribution. Beginning in 2026, the CNP Board of Directors is asking that each congregation make a minimum annual contribution of $250. Our hope is that this is an achievable amount to budget (around $20/month, or the cost of a week or two of pulpit supply). Congregations that wish to join but are unable to make a $250 contribution should give whatever they can or contact Brian at brian@covnetpres.org to talk about other ways of reaffirming their commitment to inclusion and affirmation. Church contributions can either be made by check (mailed to Covenant Network of Presbyterians, 3210 Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64109) or online at our website.
3. Celebrate! Share as much or little as you’d like about your church’s decision to join, along with any photo you’d prefer CNP to use, and we look forward to celebrating the good news online. CNP also offers several versions of our logo for use on church websites, bulletins, announcement slideshows, and more. Churches announcing a recent decision to affiliate with our network may share the news with this template.
Questions about any of these steps? Contact us here and we’re happy to help.
Click here to browse more than 450 congregations who have affiliated with CNP,
or read below about why they joined.
“I have the privilege of being a staff person who works closely with children and youth, several of whom are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am beyond delighted that we have joined CNP so that people will know that Peace Church has clearly committed to loving one another fully, without exception. LGBTQIA+ individuals are safe here and can freely worship and be welcomed as they are, supported, advocated for and loved.”
Peace Presbyterian Church
Lakewood Ranch, Fla.
“Full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ persons in the life of PC (USA) was championed by our congregation. Repeated overtures to Heartland Presbytery and, from there, to General Assembly led to the ordination of openly LGBTQIA+ persons as well as granting permission for pastors to marry couples of the same gender. And now, by joining CNP, we strengthen our commitment to our LGBTQIA+ members and neighbors and remain devoted to inclusivity and diversity in worship and mission.”
Central Presbyterian Church
Kansas City, Mo.
“The local PFLAG chapter needed a place to meet, and the Session welcomed them; not long after that, I was at the annual PFLAG picnic when someone asked me, ‘Would my wife and I be welcome at your church?’ I assured her they would; they now serve on Session and Deacons. When the congregation…learned about CNP, it seemed only natural to affirm with a vote what was the lived reality of our congregation, and to connect with the wider network.”
First Presbyterian Church
Sterling, Ill.