The Coalition of Welcoming Congregations of the Bay Area invites you to participate in this year’s San Francisco Pride Parade by joining the “United in Spirit” contingent! Here’s what Michael Leslie, the group’s coordinator, has to say about its mission:
“The ecumenical ‘United in Spirit’ contingent was created to make it easier for churches and spiritual communities to march in the SF Pride Parade. United in Spirit represents spiritual communities from all over Northern California and has affirmed and celebrated LGBT people for more than twenty years. Churches participating have included Congregationalists (UCC) Presbyterian (PC USA, CPC), Methodist (UMC), Unitarian (UU), Baptist, Catholic, and Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC).
With so many anti-lgbt religious messages in our country, a message of healing, love and acceptance is still so needed. We smile, dance and bless the crowds as we carry our church banners and LGBT affirming signs. We usually meet on the day of the parade just before noon on Beale Street in San Francisco. Bring water, lunch, sunscreen and hats.
We’re looking forward to a large ecumenical and inclusive group of people of faith marching this year! Please lend us your prayers and blessings and pass the word to your churches and associations.”
Thank you to Michael Leslie for all of his hard work, and we hope you’ll take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to bear witness to your faith while having some fun!