Faith plays a pivotal and intricate part in individuals and communities’ lives. For many, faith and spirituality define who they are and the means with which they interact with others and view themselves. Faith has the power to inspire greatness with one’s actions and the ability to encourage ideals of acceptance, equality, and love. Members of the LGBT community who were raised with a strong religious background can often feel betrayed by the interpretations of scripture portraying the LGBT community as not only inferior, not an “abomination.” No human being is an abomination. LGBT communities of faith are warm and welcoming places of worship where love of oneself and of others is embraced and honored by their memberships.

At Triangle Foundation, we work with churches and other religious organizations to improve their institutions by not ostracizing the LGBT community. We work to educate mainstream society about the importance of the love and compassion that exists within the LGBT community for their partners, families, and humanity in general. In the early summer, Triangle Foundation works to provide Commitment Ceremonies for same-sex couples who wish to express their love and commitment for each other in front of an ordained person of faith and their loved ones.

We can all work to mend to the hearts of those wounded by words and the emotional abuse that can occur with the labeling of our community as wrong and unequal. We can all work better understand that faith, although it may be used negatively in some forms, is instrumental in the lives of many of our families, allies, and community members. Because of the pioneering efforts of brave religious people speaking out for equality, a new movement for change is emerging that embraces a culture of compassion and hospitality, values that are at the heart of all our faith traditions.