Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland Begins Welcoming Congregation Renewal

# What UUCC is doing

Cleveland (UUCC) has begun an organized renewal of its Welcoming Congregation status. A committee has started work to update and refresh how the congregation affirms and includes people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, including transgender, genderqueer, and nonbinary (TGQNB) community members.

# Why the renewal now

# What the renewal process will follow

The committee plans to align UUCC's work with the UUA's five practices for Welcoming Congregations:

• Be a Welcoming Congregation: maintain an identity and culture that centers LGBTQ+/TGQNB welcome and inclusion.
• Include worship that uplifts LGBTQ+/TGQNB themes: at least two services in the liturgical schedule that address inclusion and welcome.
• Observe Welcoming Days: mark and reflect on calendar days dedicated to welcoming and inclusion across the year.
• Provide Welcoming Religious Education: offer educational programs for the congregation and community to increase awareness of the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+/TGQNB people.
• Support a Welcoming Project: donate time or finances to an LGBTQ+/TGQNB project chosen by the congregation.

# Who is leading the work

Clergy and lay leaders are already active in the renewal. Named contributors include Rev. Randy and Jenni Papp, along with congregation members who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies. Committee members listed include Helen Gutin, Laurie Holmes, Mark Assel, Mary Jo Maish, Kat Papcun, Jonathan Papcun, Ron McClellan, and Linda Coulter. The announcement emphasizes that leadership is in place and that the broader congregation will be invited to participate as the work proceeds.

# What to expect next

The committee says members will hear more in the coming months about specific steps, educational offerings, worship plans, and opportunities to support a welcoming project. The announcement frames the renewal as a "sacred journey" and asks the congregation to continue growing and learning together.

# Practical implications for congregants

• Expect new or renewed worship services that explicitly address LGBTQ+/TGQNB inclusion.
• Look for educational sessions or resources designed to increase understanding of gender and sexual diversity.
• Opportunities will likely appear for financial contributions or volunteer time tied to a chosen Welcoming Project.
• The congregation will mark Welcoming Days on its calendar to maintain regular public attention on welcome and inclusion.

The committee thanks the congregation for past support and asks members to remain engaged as UUCC updates its Welcoming Congregation status and practices.