We, the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E), stand firmly against any effort to dehumanize or strip away the human and civil rights of our LGBTQIA+ siblings. We recognize that it can be hard to know what to do during these challenging times, and we want you to know you are not alone. We are committed to walking alongside you in love, and we are encouraging each other—and all who share our values—to take these steps together:
Within Your Sessions and Congregations: Strive to create worship spaces where every person feels welcomed, valued, and safe.
In Your Presbyteries: Support Amendments 24 A and 24 C so they become part of our Book of Order, strengthening protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals within the Presbyterian Church.
With Your Elected Representatives: Use the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Voter Voice platform, which streamlines the process of locating and contacting your local, state, and federal officials, making it easier to raise your voice and advocate for human rights legislation.
At the same time, it is crucial that we each care for our own well-being. Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) “suggests that anti-LGBTQ political administrations and policies negatively impact the psychological well-being of sexual and gender minority populations.” In alignment with research and recommendations from the APA, we encourage you—just as we encourage ourselves—to:
Prioritize mental health and seek professional or pastoral support when needed.
Be intentional about when and how you consume social and news media, ensuring it supports rather than undermines your well-being.
Nurture close, supportive relationships that uplift you. Positive social networks serve as a powerful buffer against stress and discrimination.
Connect with affirming worshipping communities that embrace you fully.
Incorporate intentional self-care practices into daily life.
Our work is rooted in God’s deep love for justice (Psalm 33:5; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 61:8) and guided by Jesus’ vision of overturning oppressive systems (Luke 1:52-53; Matthew 5:3-10). We hold fast to the promise of a renewed creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:19-21)—one in which all God’s children partake in the justice, peace, and joy granted by the Spirit (Jeremiah 22:3; Psalm 106:3; Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22-23).
If you or someone you know needs additional support, please reach out to the
LGBTQI+ Lifeline. You are not alone; we stand with you in faith, hope, and love.
The Advocacy Committee on LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E) is a standing committee of the General Assembly. The committee was formed by the General Assembly in 2022 to assisting the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in providing full expression to the rich diversity of its membership as described in the Book of Order. See their website here.
