We are a Welcoming Congregation

Since a vote by the congregation in 2002, Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation welcomes a diversity of people. We are intentionally welcoming to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. We are an official UUA Welcoming Congregation, having worked through a curriculum that consciously examines homophobia, heterosexism and what it means for heterosexual people to be allies to people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender. We welcome all people who share our values, regardless of race, age, gender or sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural heritage, social status, or physical ability.

Welcoming Congregation Contact Person: Calista Ames

Announcements and Activities

Feb. 20 - Film Screening in Stockton on Homosexuality and the Bible

On Saturday, February 20, 7-9 p.m. the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Stockton (at 2737 Pacific Avenue in Stockton CA ) presents a special screening of Fish Out of Water, open to the community.

With humor and original animation, this new film tackles the “clobber passages” in the Bible used to condemn homosexuality and justify marriage discrimination. Director Ky Dickens shows, through animated illustrations of the oft-quoted Bible passages and revealing commentary by celebrated scholars, that the Bible is too often misinterpreted and misquoted regarding same-sex relationships.

The film is 60 minutes long and will be followed by a discussion facilitated by Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig. This event is being held in conjunction with the University of the Pacific’s LGBTQIA conference.

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This is What Progress Looks Like

An interview with Rev. Keith Kron on the fight for marriage equality and other aspects of Unitarian Universalist support for GLBT people.

UU Leaders Applaud Signing of DC Equal Marriage Legislation

District of Columbia (DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed a marriage equality bill into law on December 18, 2009. Fenty signed the legislation at a public ceremony held at All Souls Church, Unitarian. All Souls Senior Minister Rob Hardies, who has served as co-chair of DC Clergy United for Marriage Equality, issued the following statement celebrating Mayor Fenty's action:

"The signing of this bill marks a watershed moment for human rights in the District of Columbia. No longer will gay and lesbian couples be denied the fundamental right to marriage in our nation's capitol. I and the nearly 200 DC clergy who supported this bill look forward to celebrating the marriages of loving lesbian and gay couples in sanctuaries like this one all over our city. I applaud Mayor Fenty and the DC Council for standing on the side of love and ending discrimination against gay and lesbian Washingtonians."

The signing ceremony, which was attended by hundreds, including members of the All Souls congregation, featured Fenty, along with DC religious, spiritual, political, and civil and gay rights leaders.

Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), also issued the following statement:

"I applaud the new law that extends marriage rights to same-sex couples in Washington, DC, This legislation will make a profound difference to many Washington families, and it will shine as a beacon of hope for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens across the country.

"I extend my admiration and gratitude to Mayor Fenty and the DC City Council members. When lawmakers step up to end discrimination and protect families, all Americans benefit. The overwhelming support for marriage equality by District leaders is heartening, especially following recent set-backs at state ballot boxes. I believe that justice ultimately will prevail as more civic leaders and private citizens come forward to stand proudly on the side of love."

The U.S. Congress has final say in all laws approved by the District of Columbia. This review process must be completed within 30 legislative days of a bill becoming law.

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Help Support the Standing on the Side of Love Campaign

Standing on the Side of Love (SSL) is a public advocacy campaign, sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Association, promoting respect for the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Standing on the Side of Love will confront exclusion, oppression and violence based on identity.

Based in the aspiration to create beloved community, the campaign will pursue social change through advocacy, public witness and speaking out in solidarity with those whose lives are publicly demeaned. All people, not just Unitarian Universalists, are invited to stand, speak, worship, march, roll, and live on the side of the love.

You can read the SSL blog, which has beautiful pieces by those touched by the SSL campaign.

You can also sign the petition calling for full and equal protection under the law for LGBT people.

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EQCA Seeking Volunteers to Work on California's Right to Marry

Equality California (EQ|CA) is working to educate the California public about restoring marriage rights to same-sex couples. Call 916.595.9543 to volunteer your time and energy.

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Help End LGBT Employment Discrimination at the National Level

PFLAG Action Alert. Earlier this summer, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) was introduced in both the House (H.R. 3017) and the Senate (S. 1584). This legislation will expand the scope of the existing federal law that prohibits employment discrimination to protect people on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Protecting our LGBT loved ones in the workplace is much needed and long overdue.

We have a good chance of passing this bill into law and we need your help! President Obama has said that he is ready to sign this bill. All we need now is for Congress to take action! It is essential that you contact your Representatives and urge them to support this bill. Also, ask them to become a co-sponsor.

Then, armed with those names, visit the Library of Congress Thomas site and type in H.R. 3017 and S. 1584 to see if your Representatives are co-sponsors of ENDA. If they are, please send a note to thank them.

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Fremont Alliance for a Hate-Free Community (formerly Not in Our Town - Fremont)
(updated 1/29/10)

There will be a meeting on February 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Fremont Congregational Church (UCC), located at 38255 Blacow Road, between Eggers and Central, in Fremont. Remember, we meet on the second Monday of each month except August, so our next meeting will be on March 8.

Our focus is on ways to make Fremont safer for Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, or Bisexual youth, and more accepting for our most vulnerable religious communities of Sikhs and Moslems. It is co-chaired by Mission Peak member Paul Clifford.

What is the Fremont Alliance for a Hate Free Community?

Our home town of Fremont is a wonderful place to live. The fourth most populous city in the Bay Area, Fremont consistently ranks as one of the top ten safest cities to live in the United States. Yet some here do not feel safe. In particular, some face harassment and inequities in their neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. The Fremont Alliance for a Hate Free Community was conceived to provide all of us an opportunity to address the issues of safety and intolerance that affect our community’s well being. Too often our communities are isolated and individuals are victimized. With the Fremont Alliance for a Hate Free Community we hope to build our community into a safer and more welcoming place for all of us. What we hope to accomplish is defined by our Mission Statement:

"We, concerned community members, are dedicated to making our home of Fremont a safe, welcoming place where everyone is respected and protected, regardless of their actual or perceived age, religion, race, gender, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or any other manifestation of beautiful human diversity. Our vision is to be truly inclusive so that all know they belong. We are especially concerned that our children grow up in a safe and nurturing place. Toward that goal we proactively and positively lead, reach out, educate, and collaborate with others so that Fremont becomes a peaceful place where all may live safely, understand each other, act with kindness, and accept our differences."

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Last updated 3-1-2010