Watts Street Baptist Church is a progressive, inclusive, ecumenical,
LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming congregation
uniting prayer, learning, and social justice in the context of a vibrant community.
At Watts Street, we welcome, affirm, and celebrate God’s Beloved who are LGBTQ+!
Some of the ways we are living into our identity as a “Welcoming and Affirming” congregation include:
- Membership and partnership with The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists
- Statement of inclusion in our weekly worship bulletin
- Ordination of ministers and deacons who are LGBTQ+
- Hiring staff members who are LGBTQ+
- Full inclusion of LGBTQ+ members/friends in all aspects of worship, leadership, and volunteer positions
- Hosting and celebrating weddings of LGBTQ+ members/friends
- Commitment to inclusive language in worship for God and God’s people
- Access to gender-neutral restrooms
- Participation in the annual Durham PRIDE Parade and Pride Night at the Durham Bulls Games
- Hosting events for LGBTQ+ community groups (Common Women Chorus, iNSIDEoUT, MAMA BEARS film screening, etc.)
- Public display of the LGBTQ+ Progress Flag outside of the church sanctuary at several points throughout the year
- Social gatherings for LGBTQ+ members/friends and allies
- Support and celebration of LGBTQ+ children and youth and their families
- Commitment to providing inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly library books, curriculum, and resources
- Advocacy for LGTBQ+ concerns
- Commitment to continuing to learn more about how we can best support God’s Beloved who are LGBTQ+
