An affirming church is one that goes beyond just welcoming people; it actively affirms and embraces all individuals, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, as full and equal members of the faith community. This means that an affirming church openly supports equality, respect, and inclusion regardless of background, race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. These churches strive to create a safe and welcoming space where everyone is accepted without judgment, embraced as they are, and supported in their spiritual journey. Key characteristics of an affirming church include:
- Respect for all people as equals without discrimination.
- Inclusion of diverse individuals seeking belonging.
- Support for marginalized or excluded groups through resources and advocacy.
- Education on issues of inclusion and justice.
- Active engagement in social justice and equality efforts.
Affirming churches openly declare that God loves and accepts all people, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals, and they often provide affirmation through actions such as performing same-sex marriages and supporting LGBTQ+ clergy and members. In contrast to simply being "welcoming," which may imply tolerance or acceptance only to some degree, an affirming church explicitly affirms the identity and dignity of every person without conditions. This distinction is important as affirming churches commit to inclusion as a form of justice, not charity, making the community genuinely safe and sacred for all its members. Thus, an affirming church is a faith community where "all means all," reflecting a deep commitment to love, equality, and radical inclusion in line with the teachings of Jesus.
