Looking for a liberal church?

[Prince_Sunbeam]

This is gonna be long. I have nearly no one to talk to about this.

So, long life story short: aside from Catholic high school I have never been to church in my life. I was raised by atheists who discouraged any interest in spirituality or religion. Ive always identified as a very spiritual person, and Im craving some like minded community. Im also in a personal low point in my life and need something positive to get involved in, get out of the house and feel a part of something good.

I attended a local blessing of the animals & pet fair last weekend, tabling for my dog business. Just being in the presence of a church event, and casually chatting with the pastor really sparked a desire in me to find my own spiritual community. Im hesitant to attend church for a multitude of reasons, primarily being that I identify as very liberal and queer and it had been my personal experience that religion hasnt been very welcoming (rough high school experiences)

I definitely dont identify as Christian, or really follow their core beliefs, but Im not opposed to giving it a genuine try to see how the experience feels. The local church the pet fair was at a UCC church, which claims to be "open and affirming to the lgbt community" but Im hesitant since I know my town is generally conservative. I also feel self conscious as a semi-known local business owner, to be potentially attending services with my clients. It could be a great relationship builder, but if I decide I dont feel comfortable at their services I worry they would judge me for leaving.

There are two UU churches in near by towns, and I'm intrigued by Unitarian Universalism since I think it probably best fits my own personal beliefs. However I wouldnt know anyone there at all, and dont have local friends to bring along (Im at least friendly with the UCC pastor, and met other attendees at the event) So Im a bit more intimidated to travel 2 towns away to have to walk in alone, knowing no one, and having zero clue whats going on. Having attended Catholic school makes me feel like I might have a better idea of what to expect in a Christian church? Though that might not even be true.

Ive got one very good friend, an hour away in the city; who I grew up with and is going through a similar experience/desire currently to find the right church. She is also very liberal and queer identifying, so Im going to try and go up to visit with her some Sunday soon and we'll venture into a church together. Finding lgbtq friendly churches isnt difficult in a liberal city, but that doesnt help my dilemma at home aside from perhaps getting me more comfortable with the idea. And she's the only person in my life I can talk about this with. Since as I said, my parents are hardcore atheists, and my partner- while very spiritual, is very anti-religion/church.

I guess what Im looking for here is advice about how to find a really liberal and queer friendly church. And if anyone has any similar experiences to share?

[moevelvet]

I was raised Episcopalian, and my mom still goes to that church.  AFAIK, the Episcopal Church is very liberal.  (The pastor at our church is gay!)
I would really recommend 'shopping' around for churches.  Visit as many as you have to, and you'll eventually find the one that's right for you.  Don't feel like you have to join a particular church for any reason other than that it feels right.

[Pokeyonekenobie]

That's a tough one.  Any church worth going to won't be offended if you only come once and decide it isn't for you.  As far as finding one in your area, are there other members of the LGBTQ community that you can talk to and see where they attend?  Is that something you could google?  Maybe: LGBTQ friendly churches in [my area]?

When picking out a church, my advice is to find one that makes you feel welcome and teaches things that you feel are good.  Church should be uplifting and inspire you to be better tomorrow than you are today.  I know people in many different religions.  Some enjoy a formal church service, others prefer to commune with nature on their own.  But no matter what book of scripture they follow or which deity (in some cases deities) they claim, the end goal is the same:  Be better and help others to be better.

Until you find what you are looking for, perhaps you could perform random acts of kindness on a regular basis.  Serving others will help you with your low point and you never know who you might meet in the process. 

Good luck with your search!   

[kaoskat]

Like others said look around until you find one that works for you.

[melodys_angel]

You should try to find something that is in line with what your beliefs are.

That said, im sure theres something close by that is exactly that--you just need to look

[Aflame]

Wicca/pagan  is a worship of all things especialy nature with lots of gods /goddesses ,not raising the devil !!! as i am an atheist im not really in to churchy things but if i was to choose one to be one of these as it lets you worship any where ther is nature

[ringwraith10]

I was raised Lutheran (specifically ELCA -- Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). I grew up in church but have rather drifted away from it and am hesitant to call myself christian because of the connotations that title holds (and, well, I don't really believe in god). BUT the ELCA is one of the most liberal denominations, if you're interested. The service itself is usually very traditional, though some churches have a less formal service as well as the regular formal one. But if you do attend a church service and decide it's not your cup of tea, I don't think anyone will strongly judge you for it. If anyone does, it's their problem.

And I have been to a Lutheran church where I heard an old lady say, "I just don't think it's right for women to be pastors." *facepalm* So it's possible to run into ignorance pretty much anywhere. At least in that case it was only one old lady. Maybe she was lost.