Traditional venues
METROPOLITAN
COMMUNITY CHURCH
Metropolitan Community Church’s all-inclusive Christian
fellowship doesn’t just welcome LGBTQ individuals, their
inclusion is an integral part of the church’s ministry. A
longtime supporter of equality, MCC offered Holy Union
religious ceremonies to same-sex couples even before
same-sex nuptials were legalized in the United States—and
still do in countries where same-sex marriage isn’t allowed.
Now that gay couples can marry in the U.S., MCC continues
to be a safe space for everyone to celebrate their love. MCC
churches can be found throughout West and Central Florida,
including MCC of Tampa in Seminole Heights, King of Peace
MCC in St. Petersburg, MCC Church of the Trinity in Sarasota,
New Life MCC in New Port Richey and Joy Metropolitan
Community Church in Orlando.
CONGREGATION B’NAI
ISRAEL OF ST. PETERSBURG
While Congregation B’nai Israel of St. Petersburg, founded in
1923, is traditional and conservative in its approach to Judaism,
the congregation boasts a socially progressive mindset. In
Florida, the congregation is known as a trailblazer for how it
has embraced the LGBTQ community. In 2016, it became the
first Florida synagogue to host Pride Shabbat services in the
state, an event it has held every year since. B’nai Israel also
openly welcomes interfaith and LGBTQ families, and Rabbi
Philip Weintraub actively promotes himself as a clergyman
available to marry same-sex couples. The only requirement
for officiating is that both members of the couple are Jewish.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH
Unitarian Universalist congregations and clergy have
supported marriage equality for decades and is one of the
entities to help pave the way for the legalization of same-sex
marriage in the U.S. Numerous UU churches can be found
locally, including in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tarpon
Springs, Odessa, Sun City Center, Bradenton, Tampa,
Sarasota, Lakeland and Orlando.
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
More than 1,500 churches and ministries under the United
Church of Christ umbrella are a part of the church’s Open
and Affirming Coalition. This means they not only embrace
LGBTQ members, they also offer all sacraments and rituals
to the community. Local Open and Affirming UCC churches
include St. Andrew UCC in Sarasota, Lakewood UCC and
Trinity UCC in St. Petersburg, Good Samaritan Church in
Pinellas Park, First United Church in Tampa, First United
Church of Christ in Orlando and First Congregational Church
of Winter Park.
CONGREGATION BETH AM
Longwood’s Congregation Beth Am focuses on traditional
Judaism while embracing a progressive mindset regarding
many modern social issues. This means everyone,
including LGBTQ individuals, is welcomed by the
congregation. LGBTQ couples are also invited to marry
there. The only requirement is that both members of
the couple are Jewish, but even that’s a pretty loose rule,
according to Beth Am staff.
C O N T I N U E D F R O M P G . 2 8
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ABOVE:
JOYOUS
Orlando’s Joy MCC
offers a table of
grace to same-sex
couples for services
and weddings.
PHOTO COURTESY
JOY MCC’S
FACEBOOK PAGE
ABOVE:
AS YOU
ARE
St. Petersburg’s
Congregation B’Nai
Israel is available to
LGBTQ families.
PHOTO COURTESY
B’NAI ISRAEL OF
ST. PETERSBURG
ABOVE:
SAFE
SPACE
MCC Tampa actively
supports the LGBTQ
community.
PHOTO COURTESY
MCC TAMPA
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