Decades of Support and Advocacy

 
 

We became a More Light congregation in 1988.

More Light Presbyterians follow the risen Christ and seek to make the Church a true community of hospitality. The mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) people in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and in society.

We regularly offer comprehensive, age-appropriate, human identity/sexuality classes for all ages, with Our Whole Lives

Our Whole Lives: honest, accurate information about sexuality that saves lives. OWL dismantles stereotypes and assumptions, builds self-acceptance and self-esteem, fosters healthy relationships, improves decision making, and helps us foster the beloved kindom of God into being.

"OWL helped me become comfortable in social situations. I'd recommend it for everyone." - Samantha Klepfer, OWL graduate

Personal and public commitments

  • Intentionally inclusive and compassionate peer groups for all ages

  • Annual honoring and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community, in worship, on the final Sunday of June.

  • Inclusive gender policy for retreats

We support all people in living authentic lives, such as:

  • Pastor Nora Elliott preached a sermon about coming out as trans, inspired by the nonfiction novel, Becoming Nicole, by Amy Ellis Nutt

  • Long-time advocate for marriage equality, thespian, and Minister of Music, David Lohman, has utilized his repertoire for our music ministries since 2016. He and the wider worship team are dedicated to facilitating marginalized musicians’ works to be honored and known.

  • Openly gay musician and composer, Micah Meyer, was featured in the inaugural St. Luke Fine Arts Concert Series, in 2019, supporting the stories of coming out and making peace with your identity.

Openly Trans Associate Pastor, Nora Elliott

St. Luke’s Former Senior Pastor, Brennan Blue, protesting with OutFront Minnesota for LGBTQ+ Rights

We advocate for LGBTQ+ rights as human rights

“There’s no such thing as a passive ally or advocate. If we want a world where all are welcome, loved, and affirmed, then we must all join in making that hope a reality.

As a cisgender white male faith leader, I may not always know the right words to share or actions to take. Thankfully, we are approaching this work in the context of beloved community! With humility and purpose, we all can be an active part of working for a more equitable and inclusive world.” - Rev. Dr. Brennan Blue