Celebrating Pride Month with Featured Resources

Pictured: East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Find more inclusive congregations near you with CNP’s updated church map.

Happy Pride month! This June, CNP is highlighting specific resources to help you and your congregation engage meaningfully in Pride celebrations and ministry to LGBTQIA+ neighbors.

Originally published in June 2021, LGBTQIA-inclusive prayers by Board members Slats Toole and the Rev. Jenny McDevitt are available for worship during Pride Month or any season. Songs for the Holy Other, published by The Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada, offers inclusive hymns with texts from CNP leaders and others. A prayer especially lifting up transgender experiences by the Rev. TJ Remaley is available here.

For congregations participating in local Pride celebrations, A Practical Guide for Churches at Pride covers logistics and best practices. Jenny McDevitt's Pride Sunday sermon, "Don't Hold Back," might fill a virtual pulpit or inspire new sermons during Pride month. CNP's logo options are available in trans, rainbow and CNP's traditional blue colors for church bulletins, websites and other materials. 

In March, a panel discussion in Heartland Presbytery hosted by Tripp Fuller, the founder and host of Homebrewed Christianity, included the Rev. Dale Jackson, Presbyter for Vision & Leadership at Heartland Presbytery; the Rev. Jenny Wells, pastor of Central Presbyterian Church; and the Rev. Brian Ellison, CNP’s Executive Director, discussing how congregations can fully live into an inclusive vision of the church.

This Advocacy Toolkit for PC(USA) congregations helps PC(USA) congregations advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights through the framework of the Great Ends of the Church. The six actionable steps guide Sessions and members from education and inclusive worship to community building, public witness, legislative action, and sustained advocacy. This resource includes talking points, resources links, and practical examples for engaging at local, state, and denominational levels while approaching differences with grace.

Finally, APCE's learning module Introduction to Queer Theology: Opening Doors to Discipleship features CNP Executive Director Brian Ellison and other CNP Board members exploring how queer theology opens new pathways for discipleship, spiritual growth and community building.

Visit CNP's resource library for more and keep an eye out for additional resources shared on social media throughout June.