A Work in Progress, A Work of Love
Woodmont UCC has been an Open and Affirming congregation for 21 years. Through our visioning process in 2023, through 2024, we realized it was about time we explored what we could do to support the LGBTQIA+ community in the Milford area, specifically with a focus on LGBTQIA+ youth, their allies and families. Especially in light of what is happening in our country right now, these youth are vulnerable, marginalized, and sometimes even ostracized by their own families. On November 10, 2024, at an all-church forum, plenty of useful and positive feedback, as well as enthusiastic support, helped to shape our way forward.
​A team of church volunteers, called the “Woodmont Rainbow Alliance,” was formed to work towards providing a safe space and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth to learn, explore and just be the wonderful children of God that they are, with the full support of our church.
As we embark upon this initiative, we are mindful that many Christian churches have done great harm to the LGBTQIA+ community. We also understand that some queer folks, especially youth, are still questioning their spirituality. We approach our affirming stance as people of faith, with the understanding that God is a God of love, while also knowing that many approach this work from a different faith tradition, or no tradition at all. We invite all people, regardless of faith, to join us in this work.
And so, we are moving forward on an exploration of how to best serve this community of youth. We have partnered with the Milford School System and the GSAs in the three middle schools and two high schools. Our contacts there issued a survey last year to learn more about what their needs might look like. Last March, we raised money to send 26 students and 8 staff members to attend the True Colors/SOGIE Conference in Storrs. The students were very grateful to have that opportunity, and sent us many thank-you notes! We are also partnering with other similarly-aligned local organizations in our journey, such as other local school systems, Milford Pride, Bridges Healthcare, Inc., and Proud Academy in Shelton. STAY TUNED!
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​If you would like to learn more about the Woodmont Rainbow Alliance,
or would like to join our effort, please send an email to:
or call Carol in the church office
at 203-878-3885, ext. 2.
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Woodmont Rainbow Alliance
Mission Statement
“The Woodmont Rainbow Alliance exists to provide safe, affirming, judgement free space for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies to educate, explore, grow and celebrate their authentic selves.”