Central United Methodist Church

This was the beginning. A group of clergy in Spartanburg, SC convened a gathering of congregational leaders (both pastors and lay leaders) to hear the Spartanburg County LGBTQ Needs Assessment that was published earlier in 2018. The meeting went very well, with more than 50 people in attendance from more than 12 congregations. Feedback was received that additional events should be developed.

Spartanburg Methodist College

This event focused on LGBTQ theologies by LGBTQ pastors, theologians, and spiritual leaders. Our goal was to decenter straight thought and to listen to LGBTQ theologians, pastors, and spiritual leaders. This event was attended by over 100 people and was a huge success.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg

Following the extremely successful event in May, our Fall 2019 event was focused on “What Congregations Can Do.” We engaged in strenuous and heartfelt dialogue, confronting micro-aggressions, systemic exclusion, and the power of our gifts to change congregational life. We practiced the simple act of listening, over and over again, as a tool to transform who we have been to who we can become as a people of faith.

Via Zoom

In the fall of 2020, we held a virtual gathering every Tuesday evening (September 29 through October 27) from 7:00-8:30 pm EST on the theme "The Bible As An Ally". Our goal was to share with one another the liberating power of the Biblical tradition and to equip one another to confront violent and exclusive uses of the Bible. All sessions were recorded and can be found on the homepage as an ongoing resource.

Central United Methodist Church

On this day, clergy and laity gathered together to learn from LGBTQ+ leaders and reflect on the divine as expressed through each beautifully unique person. Through storytelling, sharing food, and creating art, we learned about the connections between spirituality and queerness, created collective resources, and strengthened the Beloved Community.

Fall 2019-2025

Each year, the LGBTQ Theologies team organizes and leads an interfaith service held at the start of the annual Upstate Pride March & Festival in Spartanburg. These joyful, meaningful services led by LGBTQ+ spiritual leaders and allies across many faith traditions claim the blessing of the Divine on each of our lives and our active call by the Spirit to make this a world of welcome and belonging for every one of us.

June 2025

Centering Black LGBTQ+ spiritual leaders and supported by allies, LGBTQ Theologies leads an interfaith service at the start of the June Black Pride Celebration in Greenville, SC. Dance, communion, song, ritual, and story summon us to the work of mutual liberation from white supremacy, patriarchy, and heteronormativity to claim the fullness of ourselves, every one of us created in the Divine image.