National Queer Presbyterian Gathering attendees compile their to-do list

LOUISVILLE — As the National Queer Presbyterian Gathering was coming to a close Thursday, participants took on one more item of business: what they plan to work on in the months and years to come to help the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) achieve full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people.

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Gathering attendees determined the following seven-item action list after meeting in rotating small groups to discuss the importance of each item. Mel Tubb, who staffs three PC(USA) advocacy committees, and Samantha Paige Davis, the PC(USA)’s Associate for Racial and Gender Justice, facilitated the process. The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity could forward possible overtures for consideration by the 227^th General Assembly (2026).

The action list includes:

• Providing clear criteria for what a welcoming and affirming space is, including queer folks in leadership and an inclusive decision-making process. Churches will be invited to track their changes over time and to complete a regular audit. A certification process could be created for open and affirming process. Faith communities would be encouraged to remove from their website or social media page language or imagery about being inclusive if they are not.
• Collecting data at the national level so that the LGBTQIA+ community is seen and concerns are heard. The proposal includes making sure queer people’s input is recorded in surveys and they’re included in statistics, being sensitive to privacy and safety concerns. Questions including “how many queer folks are in your community?” can be included. The proposal includes reaching out beyond congregations “to reflect the realities of people without a specific church home.”
• Promoting economic equity, including equitable pay and financial support for seminarians and for queer and affirming ministries. The proposal includes addressing economic marginalization and supporting queer leadership “wherever they feel called to serve.”
• Highlighting Presbyterian LGBTQIA+ history. “We need to do this all the time, not just during Pride Month,” said one participant. Presbyterian Historical Society resources can be highlighted, and BIPOC queer folks “who have led the way” should be centered. Gathering participants also hope to create an apparatus for mid councils to share stories at the local level via social media or traveling exhibits.
• Providing more training and resources. Training can be online and in person. One attendee suggested Presbyterians “have conversations about getting comfortable with uncomfortable conversations.”
• Creating a Church Leadership Connection filter for affirming congregations, which could “give faith communities an opportunity to say they are affirming and want queer leaders,” the group determined. CLC is the online portal leaders use to help discern their call and congregations and mid councils use to help discern who their leaders will be.
• Scheduling more in-person gatherings at the national, regional and local levels.

One participant suggested holding an interdenominational queer gathering every two or so years. “Think about what can make it difficult for young people who want to be there but can’t be,” this participant said. Security for attendees must be paramount.