Contacts - Welcoming Congregation

Lynn Cusick

Task Member Statement

"Every GLBT person I have talked to over the past year is in favor of GUUF going through the process to become nationally recognized as a welcoming congregation. The only people I have heard from who do not support this process are heterosexual. I believe, therefore, that an open conversation between straights and GLBT on what welcoming means would be beneficial for our congregation -- which is exactly what the WC process is meant to do."

Jan Humphrey

Task Member Statement

"My interest, understanding and support of GLBT issues has grown incrementally, starting long before I realized my son was gay. Thanks to UU District workshops, the local chapter of PFLAG, and to my gay and lesbian friends, I’ve been able to ask questions that continually take me to a new level of understanding.

I’m sure there are people that could reach that level of understanding and empathy much more quickly than I did. But for many of us, it comes gradually. I appreciate the opportunity to explore GLBT issues through different settings and approaches. That is why I support the Welcoming Congregation process.

I don’t want GUUF to be a Welcoming Congregation because we know it’s the right thing to do. I want GUUF to be a Welcoming Congregation because, through sharing this journey with our GLBT sisters and brothers, we also feel it’s the right thing to do."

Maureen Neery

Task Member Statement

People say to me, “Why don’t we just take the vote?  Of course we’re welcoming to GBLT people…”  This is not about the vote.  It’s about the process — about listening a little more, hearing a little more, understanding a little more.  There is so much for all of us to learn about human sexuality and acceptance.  Start noticing the raised eyebrows or slight shakes of the head when people mention alternative lifestyles.  We react out of fear and confusion, and education is the only way to combat those blocks to our growth.  Education is what this process is about."

Pat Dillow

Task Member Statement

"I believe we should be an official welcoming congregation because it is important to let the worldwide community know that we believe everyone should be respected and valued without regard to sexuality, race, or religion. It is not enough to believe this in our hearts. We must also visibly support and work for the rights of all humanity."

Diane Shipp

Task Member Statement

"As a multi-faceted woman, I felt truly blessed when I found a spiritual home at GUUF. Not only had I found a place that encouraged me to continue down my spiritual path, I had found a community whose purposes included working for “the inherent worth and dignity of all people.” I understood that to mean I would have a spiritual community that would be a beacon in the Upstate seeking justice for another facet of my life – being a lesbian living in a world that oppresses, condemns, and feels it has every right to legislate my life. I want the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people living in the Upstate to know there is a place they can come and feel free to be exactly who they are; I want them to know we, as a congregation, have agreed not only to be a beacon, but to never allow the light to fade."

Mark Hauser

Task Member Statement

"My desire to have GUUF become a Welcoming Congregation is that this is much more than an internal matter for our fellowship.  This is an opportunity to let the COMMUNITY know that we offer a spiritual home for those who feel they have no place to go in Greenville because of their sexual orientation.  If we truly stand for social justice, then we must offer ourselves up to the community as being socially just.  Being a WC is another step in that direction."

Kris Beliakoff

Task Member Statement

"Every man, woman, and child that walks through our Fellowship’s doors is seeking community and a spiritual home. To me, the Welcoming Congregation endorsement says to the world that this faith community cares enough about all people to take the steps needed to embrace diversity and say – nay shout – “everyone is welcome here.” I can think of no greater lesson for our children and youth than to see the commitment the adults of this congregation have made to this journey, and the pledge they give to the outcome. It is about more than a vote; it is about taking the time to journey together in right community and reach a place together – a place you predicted you would arrive at, but with a collective memory and an understanding of its importance that would not exist if you had not journeyed together. Mahatma Ghandi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I wish for a world where a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons stand side by side heterosexuals with equal rights and acceptance. Through the Welcoming Congregation I see the Greenville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship be that change."

Lori Morton

Task Member Statement

"Becoming a Welcoming Congregation is important to me because letting the world know that we are not only tolerant, but accepting of people regardless of their sexual orientation is basic to our first principle “affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person.” For years LGBT people have had to live invisible lives at work, with their families, and in their church. We have the power to make our church space welcoming and accepting of all people and to let the greater community know that we accept you regardless of your sexual/gender orientation. It is our moral obligation as a church community to fight injustice where we see it and to promote love and respect for all people."