These Charlotte-area houses of worship are inclusive of the LGBT community
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Coming out is a major milestone in one’s life that can trigger many changes, and religion can be a place to find community and understanding while navigating that important moment and beyond.
While some may face hurdles feeling accepted in their house of worship, there are plenty of churches, synagogues and more in the Charlotte area that proudly welcome and support all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Here’s a sample of some houses of worship in and around Charlotte where you can practice your faith while being your authentic self.
Churches
Caldwell Presbyterian Church
Location: 1609 E. 5th St., Charlotte, NC 28204
Neighborhood: First Ward
What to know: This “intersectional faith community,” part of the Presbyterian denomination, offers in-person services that are also streamed online. In addition to worship services, their Touchpoint Education Series “focuses on outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and education of our congregation.” The church also has an anti-racism council and offers retreats, Bible studies, book clubs and more.
Dilworth United Methodist Church
Location: 605 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Dilworth
What to know: A Methodist congregation, Dilworth UMC is “a progressive and welcoming community” with a motto of “open hearts, open minds and open doors.” In addition to regular worship services, also offer a preschool and an “Amplify Team” that aims to “amplify compassion by amplifying marginalized voices in our community, including those marginalized by their race, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, or any others searching for equity.”
First Christian Church
Location: 1200 E. Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Dilworth
What to know: Part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination, this church pledges to practice “radical hospitality” in welcoming people from all walks of life, including the LGBT community. In addition to weekly in-person services that are also live-streamed, the church has music and art ministries and works closely with a local soup kitchen.
First United Methodist Church
Location: 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
What to know: Part of the Reconciling Ministries Network, a coalition of Methodist churches that promotes inclusivity in the denomination, First United Methodist works with LGBT groups in the Charlotte community on various projects. Weekly services are offered in-person and live-streamed, and other initiatives include anti-racism training and a refugee resettlement ministry.
Holy Covenant United Church of Christ
Location: 3501 W. W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28269
Neighborhood: Prosperity Church Road
What to know: Part of the “progressive” United Church of Christ denomination, Holy Covenant has adopted statements aimed at being “open & affirming” for decades. In addition to weekly worship, livestreams and podcasts, the congregation also partners with numerous community groups, including multiple working to advance LGBT equality.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Location: 1900 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What to know: Holy Trinity is part of ReconcilingWorks, a coalition of Lutheran churches that promote LGBT inclusion in the denomination and equal rights. In addition to in-person and online worship, many in the congregation also volunteer in local schools or participate in “Beers and Hymns” meet-ups.
Myers Park Baptist Church
Location: 1900 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207
Neighborhood: Myers Park
What to know: Myers Park Baptist uses the phrase “open to all and closed to none,” which the congregation adopted in 1965 on issues of civil rights, to describe its position on LGBT inclusion. In addition to worship services, the church also partners with community groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Charlotte Samaritan House.
Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church
Location: 9704 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
Neighborhood: University City
What to know: Piedmont UU Church has weekly services at its Charlotte location that are also streamed online as well as religious education classes and community engagement opportunities, including some focused on LGBT rights. They also have a location in Salisbury.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
Location: 115 W. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Charlotte Center City
What to know: This Episcopal Church aims “to be a place of unconditional welcome” in the Charlotte community. In addition to weekly services, the church also hosts morning and evening prayers throughout the week and works on a number of social justice causes, including LGBT rights.
Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte
Location: 234 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
Neighborhood: Sherwood Forest
What to know: Another Unitarian Universalist church, the Unitarian Universalist Community of Charlotte’s inclusive group gathers for regular services that are also livestreamed. The congregation is also involved in promoting social justice and racial justice as well as environmental issues.
Interfaith groups
Interfaith Equality Coalition
What to know: This Charlotte-based organization brings together folks from various religions to advocate for LGBT rights “grounded in a faith perspective.”
Synagogues
Havurat Tikvah
Location: 2821 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209
Neighborhood: Dilworth
What to know: Havurat Tikvah is Jewish Reconstructionist congregation that aims to be “warm, supportive and nurturing” and participate in social justice projects, including those that promote equality and inclusiveness. In addition to Shabbat and holiday services, they also work with community groups such as Urban Ministries.
Temple Kol Tikvah of Lake Norman
Location: 605 South St., Davidson, NC 28036
What to know: This temple outside Charlotte, part of the Union for Reform Judaism, prioritizes being “inclusive and diverse.” They offer services as well as adult education series, activities for seniors and more.
Know of more inclusive houses of worship in Charlotte? Email reporter Mary Ramsey at mramsey@charlotteobserver.com.
This story was originally published June 4, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
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