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Faith Communities
We at PFLAG Jackson want to affirm the importance of a personal statement of spiritual beliefs and organized religion, as well as individual decisions for freedom from religion. Here is a list of Faith Communities which have indicated they will begin bridging the celebration of faith with the GLBT community, their family, and their friends.
If an individual or an organization would like to be listed on this page, please write to pflag_jackson@yahoo.com or PFLAG Jackson, PO Box 4065, Jackson, MI 49204. Please include: faith, denomination, name of organization, mission statement, contact person, address, phone number, fax number, e-mail address, and web page location where appropriate.
The Jackson and surrounding area has a number of "Welcoming" Faith Communities. We at PFLAG Jackson, do realize any organization listed will have a varying degree of welcomeness. Faith Communities who are listed as Open and Affirming, Reconciling In Christ, Welcoming, etc have gone through a process to becoming officially "Welcoming" whereas, those communities that are listed as "Friendly" have an official process but have not gone through the process of becoming a “Welcoming”, but we have received a letter from their spiritual leader indicating that they are welcoming toward the GLBT community their family and their friends. "In some instances, faith communities welcome GLBT people but do not have an official process for determination. We will list them as "no current process."
Faith communities are alphabetically listed by religion and then by the name of the faith community
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BUDDHIST
* Soka Gakkai International - USA (SGI-USA) - *No Current Process
National website: http://www.sgi-usa.org
SGI-USA members have regular discussion meetings, usually in someone’s home, and everyone is welcome.
Contact information: Ted Miller 517.688.9218 or Lyn Sawicki 517 789 6287
Buddhism holds that all life is precious and worthy of utmost respect, that every human being is endowed with the life condition of Buddhahood. Besides its empowering philosophy, one thing that many people find remarkable about SGI is the diversity of its membership. Attend a Buddhist activity in any major US city, and you will see people of varied walks of life and backgrounds, varied nationalities, races, languages, gender orientations, and social classes, not just getting along but working together for the betterment of their communities. This diversity is reflected in the organization's leadership as well.
*"Soka" is a Japanese term that means "value creation," and "gakkai" means association or group. The emphasis is on each person developing and utilizing her/his unique character and qualities to make a positive contribution in the community and in the world. Everyone has a critical mission to fulfill. The goal of "value creating living" is to become our truest and best selves, to lead "self-actualized" lives committed to the happiness and well being of ourselves and others.
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CHRISTIAN
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Immanuel Lutheran Church - *Friendly
1505 W. Michigan Avenue
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 817-0312 - Contact: Rev. Erick Johnson
Website: www.modempool.com/immanuel
Mission Statement: We are a Christ centered, growing, family of believers who gather in love to worship the Lord, to teach, to learn and spread His Word and to be responsive to the needs of our world, our community, and our congregation.
The Pastor's Statement: "The gay and lesbian persons would receive a welcome from me, a welcome at the Lord's Table, and would hear preaching that seeks to communicate the radical grace and hospitality of Jesus. In other words, I can't speak for the entire congregation, but I speak for myself."
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Lord of Light Lutheran Campus Ministry - *Reconciling in Christ
801 South Forest Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734 688-7622
WEBSITE: http://www.lol-a2.org
Mission Statement: Lord of Light is a unique Christian congregation called to be of service to the university community. It is known by: Worship centered in the grace of Jesus Christ, Responsible ministry to lay members, Active outreach to students, Involvement in social issues and service projects, Growth in faith appropriate for young adults, Attention to inclusive language and community
Lord of Light is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Membership is available on either a full or associate basis. Non-Lutherans are invited to participate fully in our life together.
We strive to be both inclusive and imaginative in our use of language, both faithful to the tradition of the Church and sensitive to the Spirit’s movement to fresh expression in our day. Where nouns and pronouns in hymns and liturgy do not adequately reflect our faith in God, who is neither male nor female, we encourage worshipers who wish to substitute words that better express their praise of the Triune God. This means we will sometimes experience “dissonance” in our language of worship since God is finally beyond our naming.
Lord of Light is a “Reconciled in Christ” congregation meaning that we welcome all people regardless of sexual orientation as fully participating members of our ministry.
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Sign of the Covenant MCC - *Open and Affirming
35 S Cass St at West Jackson-PO Box 2408
Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 (616) 968-5004
Sunday Worship: 10:30 am
Lambda AA: Sun 6pm, Wed 7pm, Fri 8pm
GLBTI Evening Out, an informal gathering for all who are interested to view movies, play games or just chat. We hold these on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 7 p.m. at the church.
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St. John’s United Church of Christ - *Friendly
801 S. Mechanic St.
Jackson, MI 49203
e-mail: unitedchurch@hotmail.com
(517) 784-7580
Contact Person: Jay Cummings, Pastor, Thom Rathbun, Secretary
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Trinity United Methodist Church - *Friendly
1508 Greenwood Ave.
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 782-7937
Contact Person: Pastor Beatrice Robinson
E-Mail: Jxntrinity@juno.com
Mission: We encourage all to participate in the love of God through Jesus Christ by prayer, worship, education, outreach, music and fellowship.
UNITY CHURCH OF JACKSON - * No Process
3385 Miles
Jackson, MI 764.6900
Contact: Rev Stan Grubaugh 764.6900
Email: unity@voyager.net
Mission Statement: To grow a church in Jackson, Michigan where all are welcomed. A church where cultural diversity is a reality; a community that is a family of choice; a church of spirital education for practical living.
Vision Statement: To be a center of transformation. Where people are empowered by their relationship to God. To manifest their dreams of life and love.
The Pastor's Statement: "Jesus Christ is the head of Unity Church of Jackson. We are open, receptive, responsive and obedient to his instruction. Unity Chruch of Jackson is non-denominational and welcomes in dignity and love, people of all races, religions, social backgrounds and economic levels."
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JEWISH
Temple Beth Israel - *No Current Process
801 W Michigan
Jackson, MI 49202
(517) 784-3862
David Eizelman, President Temple Beth Israel, Jackson
"Our Temple has had a long history of having an open door policy. Reaching out to Jews across all spectrums is part of what and who we are. Further, civil liberties and human rights are issues that Jews have believed in and fought for. Our constitution clearly states that we are open to those who "practice the Jewish faith"; therefore, that is our only stipulation. Temple Beth Israel is a welcoming environment and a safe home to our members. We would welcome any referrals of Jews to our Temple and we support any group that leads to greater understanding, tolerance, and acceptance among people."
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PAGAN
Denomination: Eclectic Wiccan
Church of the Crescent Moon - *No Current Process
3206 Sanford
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Mission Statement: To serve all who come to us with an open mind and a giving heart
Contact: Robert and Minerva Brown-Colon, 3206 Sanford, Hillsdale MI 49242 517 439 0126
Email: ladyshadowulve@gmail.com
Website: http://www.webspawner.com/users/churchofcrescentmoon/
We offer monthly meetings on the first Monday of each month at the Annex, Annex 98 N. Broad St Hillsdale MI 49242, MI at 7pm. Coffee and snacks furnished. Meet and Greet held the second Thursday of each month at Beaners, 1025 N Wisner St, Jackson, MI at 7pm. Chat and meet others of like mind. Wheel of the Year ceremonies held at different locations. Call for information. Co sponsor of 2006 Pagan Pride Day Jackson MI. Church of the Crescent Moon is a recognized Church by the State of Michigan meeting the needs of Pagans/Wiccans in the Hillsdale, Jackson Michigan area. Weddings, Commitment and rites of passage ceremonies performed.
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UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty - *Welcoming Faith Community
2231 Jefferson Rd.
Clarklake, MI 49234
Contact Person: Jon or Kerry Hart 768-0415
E-mail: eastlibertyuu@voyager.net
"Living Our Religion Since 1856"
Immanuel Lutheran Church
St John's United Church of Christ
Sign of the Covenant MCC
Temple Beth Israel
Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty
Send E-Mail to: pflag_jackson@yahoo.com
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